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Families gather for the 19th annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Nov. 30, 2018. Among the Christmas lights, elves and holiday spirit in the air, the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Brass Band provided live music throughout the festivities. The celebration included activities such as a Christmas themed beanbag toss, holiday selfie station, a holiday cookie making station and reindeer antler ring toss. Santa Claus even made a special appearance for the children to come and tell him their Christmas wish list. This celebration is an event hosted by Marine Corps Community Services every year to kick off the Christmas spirit by bringing families together during the holiday season.

The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band travels to perform in parades during Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Feb. 24-28, 2017. Mardi Gras is held yearly for people to enjoy their lives to the fullest before the upcoming Christian observance of Lent. The 2nd MAW band provided traditional Mardi Gras music along with the national anthem, the Marines’ Hymn and other classics during the parades. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Cody Lemons/Released)

Marines assigned to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band perform during the 2nd MAW Band’s Christmas Concert aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Dec. 18, 2016. The concert is an annual event hosted by the band to entertain and interact with the MCAS Cherry Point community. Between the musical segments of the concert was a reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” read by Cpl. Camden Bettey and a visitation from Santa Claus himself. Bettey is a musician with the 2nd MAW Band. (Marine Corps video by Cpl. Jason Jimenez/ Released)

Marines assigned to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band and audience members participate in a mannequin challenge during the 2nd MAW Band’s Christmas Concert aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Dec. 18, 2016. The mannequin challenge started the night off before the musical segments of the annual concert. The challenge was a fun way for the band and audience members to come together to create a memorable experience for the 2016 concert. (Marine Corps video by Cpl. Jason Jimenez/Released)

The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band performed in their outstanding fall concert at the Two Rivers Theater and Events Center aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Oct. 2, 2016. The concert was open to the public and featured many unique performances. The band will continue to carry on the proud tradition of excellence in military music that has become the hallmark of the Marine Music Program.

The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band performs alongside the United Service Organization’s Show Troupes during the Tribute to Selfless Service concert held at the Dale F. Halton Theater in Charlotte, N.C., Sept 11, 2016. The concert was held as a remembrance of September 11 and to pay tribute to service members past and present. The 2nd MAW Band completes over 150 commitments annually and travels in excess of 30,000 miles to uphold the old and honored Marine traditions of pride, professionalism, and esprit de corps.

Sgt. Mark A. Gulotta Jr. discusses the benefits of his experience being a percussionist with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Sept. 8, 2016. Aside from being a fire team leader in the band, Gulotta volunteers as an assistant instructor with the percussion section of the New Bern High School band. The 2nd MAW Band completes over 150 commitments annually and travels in excess of 30,000 miles to uphold the old and honored Marine traditions of pride, professionalism, and esprit de corps.