“The origins of Memorial Day can be traced back to the aftermath of the American Civil War,” says Ronald Demkee, Allentown Band Conductor.

The Allentown Band presents its annul Memorial Day concert, “Remember and Honor,” 7 p.m. May 25, Springhouse Middle School, Allentown.

“As the conflict ended in 1865, people across the country began holding Decoration Day ceremonies to honor the Union and Confederate soldiers who had died in the conflict.

“As time went on, Decoration Day came to be known as Memorial Day, and after World War I the event expanded to honor those who died in all American wars.

“Since this year marks the 160th anniversary of the end of America’s Civil War, I thought it appropriate to feature some of the music of the 1860s when this national day of remembrance got its start.”

The concert opens with Morton Gould’s “American Salute,” of variations on “When Johnny Comes Marching Home,” followed by two settings of “The Blue & Gray.”

Clare Grundman’s “Civil War Suite” includes “Marching Through Georgia,” “The Yellow Rose of Texas” and the “Battle Cry of Freedom.”

Clarence W. Dalbey’s “The Blue and the Gray Patrol,” as recorded by Sousa’s Band conducted by Arthur Pryor. includes “Dixie,” “The Vacant Chair” and “The Star Spangled Banner.”

The band then features selections from well-known films, including a John Moss arrangement of “Gettysburg, the Movie” (“Gettysburg,” 1993) and Paul Lavender’s arrangements of “Midway March” (“Midway,” 1976) and “Hymn to the Fallen” (“Saving Private Ryan,” 1998).

Additional marches include “Second Connecticut Regiment March” (1877) by David Wallace Reeves, and “March National Emblem” (1902) by Edwin Eugene Bagley.

The concert closes with Carmen Dragon’s “America the Beautiful”; “Armed Forces Salute,” which includes the official service songs of the six branches of the United States Armed Forces, and John Philip Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”

“Memorial Day Concert - Remember and Honor,” Allentown Band, 7 p.m. May 25, Springhouse Middle School, 1200 Springhouse Rd., Allentown. Tickets not required. Free; https://allentownband.com/

“Classical View” is a column about classical music concerts, conductors and performers. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com