“We are very excited to perform at beautiful Ontelaunee Park to recognize and pay tribute to members of the military and firefighters, dedicated individuals who place service above self,” says Pioneer Band of Allentown Conductor Robert Billig, Jr.

The Pioneer Band of Allentown performs its “Memorial Day America250 Concert,” 3 p.m. May 25, Ontelaunee Park, New Tripoli. Pre-concert activities begin at 1 p.m. May 25.

In a moving tribute to the United States, the band performs Patrick Roszell’s arrangement of “An American Celebration,” combining “Taps,” “America the Beautiful” and “My Country Tis of Thee.”

Three selections honor veterans who served in World War II. Jay Bocook’s “At Dawn They Slept” is a musical remembrance to the fallen heroes of the fateful day at Pearl Harbor that launched the U.S. into the war. Bocook’s work premiered at Pearl Harbor in April 2002.

“Lest We Forget” by James Swearingen has personal significance. Explains Billig:

“Swearingen’s father served in the U.S. Army during WWII and was responsible for disarming bombs which failed to detonate following enemy attacks. The danger of the assignment was heightened when, having been trained on German and Japanese armaments, the bombs he worked on were dropped by American and British pilots.”

Swearingen composed “The Light Eternal” to honor four U.S. Army chaplains who sacrificed their lives to save others during the sinking of the USAT Dorchester troopship torpedoed by a German U-boat Feb. 3, 1943. Having given up their life jackets, the chaplains remained on the ship praying in Latin, Hebrew and English.

For their selfless action, each chaplain was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and the Purple Heart. In addition, the U.S. Congress authorized and awarded them the Four Chaplains Medal, a one-time only award equivalent to the Medal of Honor.

“As All the Heavens Were a Bell” by Bocook is an emotional tribute to the heroes and firefighters of the Fire Department of the City of New York in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks Sept. 11, 2001. The work premiered in March 2002 during a performance for the firefighters of Manhattan.

Additional selections include an “Armed Forces Salute,” arranged by Tom Knox, recognizing the six branches of the U.S. military; “A Nation’s Prayer” by James Ployhar; “Star Spangled Spectacular” by John Cacavas, and the “National Emblem March” by E.E. Bagley.

The concert closes with the official National March of the United States, “The Stars and Stripes Forever” by John Philip Sousa.

“Memorial Day America250 Concert,” Pioneer Band of Allentown, 3 p.m.; pre-concert activities, 1 p.m. May 25, Ontelaunee Park, 7344 Kings Highway, New Tripoli. Free. Information: 610-298-2645; https://nwlehighvetsmemorial.org/

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