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2 <br />ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br />RESOLUTION HONORING THE U.S. NAVY B-1 BAND <br />WHEREAS, the U.S. Navy B-1 Band was officially formed on May 27, 1942, when 44 <br />young men were sworn into service in Raleigh, N.C.; and, <br />WHEREAS, they were collectively the first African Americans to serve in the modern <br />Navy at any general rank; and, <br />WHEREAS, while the service of the B-1 Band during World War II was as a <br />segregated unit, the establishment of the band marked the first significant <br />move towards integration of the modern U.S. Navy; and, <br />WHEREAS, the completion of construction of what is now known as the Hargraves <br />Community Center was specifically to serve as a residence hall and <br />headquarters for the B-1 Band; and, <br />WHEREAS, the B-1 Band heralded their arrival to serve with the Navy pre-flight <br />school in Chapel Hill by proudly marching as a band down Franklin Street <br />on August 1, 1942; and, <br />WHEREAS, during the 20-month wartime stay in Chapel Hill, the B-1 Band performed <br />in parades, war bond rallies, and patriotic assemblies throughout the region, <br />as well as with Kate Smith on her regular radio program, broadcast live from <br />Memorial Hall; and, <br />WgIEREAS, the band was the featured attraction in Wilmington at the launching of the <br />USS Merrick in July 1943; <br />NOW, THEREF®RE, be it resolved that the Orange County Board of Commissioners <br />do hereby honor the U.S. Navy B-1 Band for their service to this great nation <br />during World War II and their significant role in creating history in Orange <br />County. <br />This the 30th day of August 2007 <br />Moses Carey, Jr., Chair <br />Orange County Board of Commissioners <br />