franklin - The Franklin Band, one of the oldest community bands in the United States, recently gave command performances at two very special events. The first was on the deck of the battleship U.S.S. New Jersey in Camden on the occasion of the official retirement for 30-year U.S. Navy Capt. James Hohenstein, JAGC, on April 14. The Franklin Band executed a crisp, military protocol performance complete with officer’s ceremonial music performed under the big guns” on the prow of the battleship. Most moving was the band’s solemn rendition of the Navy Hymn, “Eternal Father,” as the minister delivered his Benediction. As Hohenstein exited the ceremony between saluting officer, the band saw him off with a rousing performance of “Anchors Aweigh.” The band followed up with “National Emblem” and “Stars and Stripes Forever”. Hehenstein was so impressed with the band’s performance, he invited the band members to join his celebration banquet afterwards. The Franklin Band found itself infused with excitement at being asked to perform at the battleship a second time, on June 2. This was for the 60th Birthday Celebration of author Tom Clancy, who has written such well-known military and espionage books as “The Hunt for Red October,” “Patriot Games,” “The Sum of All Fears” and “Red Storm Rising.” The band was placed at the end of the pier next to the battleship and played military marches to receive and greet the 125 invited guests as they walked down the pier entrance lined with young seaman in their dress whites before boarding the battleship for the party. The guests were dressed in gowns and tuxedos, and the atmosphere was similar to that of a Hollywood gaga opening of a film. Some guests even gave a “thumbs up” gesture as they passed by the band. The guest list included Retired Secretary of State Colin Powell, Sean Connery, Stephen Spielberg and a member of the British Royal family. Clancy left his celebration several times to come out to the bridge of the ship to listen to the band as they played for his guests’ arrival. For additional pictures and audio/video samples of these and other concert performances, visit www.thefranklinband.com.