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By Will Bredderman
Brooklyn Daily
Hark! The United States Army band heralded in Christmas at Fort Hamilton.
The ensemble from Fort Eustis in Virginia helped spread the Yuletide spirit to its brothers- and sisters-in-arms in Brooklyn — and brought the United Service Organizations’ Liberty Bells along with them.
The trio of lady vocalists opened the show on Nov. 30 with the national anthem, then the band launched into a set of holiday classics that included “White Christmas,” “Let It Snow,” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”
“They were wonderful. They sounded great and the songs brought memories and smiles to everyone,” said Cathy Santo Pietro, Fort Hamilton’s Community Relations Officer.
The troupe then had the 150-member audience — which included Garrison Commander Colonel Eluyn Gines, other ranking officers at the base, soldiers and their families, Councilman Vincent Gentile (D–Bay Ridge), veterans, and civilian visitors — join them for a sing-along to “Jingle Bells,” “Silent Night,” and “Feliz Navidad.” But Santo Pietro said the real highlight of the show was the surprise visit from old Saint Nick during the performance of “Here Comes Santa Claus.”
“It was a great start to the holiday season,” said Santo Pietro.
Reach reporter Thomas Tracy at ttracy@cnglocal.com or by calling (718) 260-2525.