The Jacksonville State University (JSU) Marching Southerners traveled overseas this week for the 80th commemoration of D-Day in Normandy, France on Thursday.
The JSU band and others from around the country were scheduled to perform during the two official public wreath-laying ceremonies at the Normandy American Cemetery and the Brittany American Cemetery.
However, the Normandy American Cemetery performance was canceled for security purposes after Biden reportedly made an unannounced visit.
CHANGE OF PLANS: You can only imagine the disappointment. The Longview Lobo Choir just learned their afternoon performance at the Normandy American Cemetery at Omaha Beach is cancelled due to an unannounced visit by President Joe Biden. Security is tight in the area. pic.twitter.com/DsDdLxX1XV
— Lane Luckie (@LaneLuckie) June 7, 2024
U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) noted on Saturday that most of the students and families who made the trip paid their own way and that “Joe Biden ruined a once in a lifetime experience.”
Joe Biden just ruined a once in a lifetime experience for @JSUnews students and high school students from around the country by cancelling their planned performance at Normandy.
— Coach Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) June 8, 2024
Many of these students and their families paid their own way.
Joe Biden is a national embarrassment. https://t.co/5ZMMVR9CTk
Hans Schantz, a Huntsville resident, said on Friday, “In Normandy to support my daughter and the Jacksonville State Marching Southerners who were invited to play at the American Cemetery in Brittany on the 80th anniversary of D-Day. The Southerners and nearly a dozen other groups came at their own expense to honor the fallen.”
In Normandy to support my daughter and the Jacksonville State Marching Southerners who were invited to play at the American Cemetery in Brittany on the 80th anniversary of D-Day. The Southerners and nearly a dozen other groups came at their own expense to honor the fallen. pic.twitter.com/mvFRLbLNfs
— Hans G. Schantz (@AetherCzar) June 7, 2024
Schantz later said, “Disappointed Biden's last-minute change in plans caused a similar memorial event at the Normandy American Cemetery to be cancelled, today.”
Disappointed Biden's last-minute change in plans caused a similar memorial event at the Normandy American Cemetery to be cancelled, today.
— Hans G. Schantz (@AetherCzar) June 7, 2024
These young Americans worked hard to raise the money to come and to practice their performances.
They deserved better from our President. https://t.co/rjdOqHcYMv
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email caleb.taylor@1819News.com.
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