“It was by invitation only that we attended, and they only invite one international band a year,” Squadron Officer Commanding Chris Bailey said.
“We performed with the US Armed Forces Medley, and had just over two months to learn a completely new piece of music.
“I am so proud of these Cadets as this was not easy to achieve as we were juggling our regular community engagements and performances as well as training for the Hawaii performances.”
The program also included performances at the US Missouri Battleship and the Pearl Harbour Memorial Parade through the main streets in Honolulu, with several surviving Pearl Harbour veterans also present.
“We would like to thank Ambassador Jane Hardy, the Australian Consul General in Hawaii, who took the time to meet with the Cadets prior to the Opening Ceremony,” Officer Bailey said.
“The Consul General also contacted other Australians in Hawaii and encouraged them to be present and support the Riverwood Hornets in the parade which was their biggest ever.”
After the parade commitments, the Cadets took part in the three-day education program run at the Pearl Harbour Aviation Museum, which also included sleeping onboard the USS Missouri Battleship, undertaking further education, team building and leadership activities on the ship.
“They can now take the skills learned on the course and further develop them within our own communities at home,” Officer Bailey said.
“This amazing opportunity would not have been possible without the continued support of our local community including Club Rivers, Canterbury Bankstown Chamber of Commerce, Canterbury Bankstown & Georges River Councils, Lions Club of Lugarno and Oatley, Rotary Club of Hurstville, Bankstown City Unity Bank, various RSL sub-branches and so many others.”
To see more about the USA trip, go to the Australian Air League Riverwood Hornets Facebook page.
