ISU marching band performing in France for D-Day anniversary

One hundred sixty-eight collegiate musicians packed up their instruments and boarded jumbo jets on Thursday for a 4,270-mile flight to Normandy, France.

The Iowa State marching band left Ames with 40 parents and alumni and director Steven Smyth to accept an invitation by the U.S. government to perform in various parades and festivals honoring the 72nd anniversary of the D-Day invasion during World War II.

On June 6, 1944, more than 156,000 American, British and Canadian allied forces stormed the 50-mile stretch of beaches in France, a significant battle that helped lead to the Germans' defeat. According to an ISU press release, there are several anniversary events held in the region every year to commemorate the invasion, often garnering between 30,000 and 40,000 attendees.

The band landed in France around 4:30 a.m. on Friday morning, prepared for a series of performances through France. In the village of St. Mere Eglise, they performed in the town square and in a memorial parade. They will be playing at memorial services at  Normandy American Cemetery at Omaha Beach and the Brittany American Cemetery. Lastly, the group will be able to see the City of Love, playing near the Eiffel Tower in Paris before returning back to Iowa on June 9.

A mix of solemn U.S. military songs will comprise their repertoire, including "The Star Spangled Banner," "Amazing Grace," "America the Beautiful"  and "The Longest Day March," according to the press release.

They are uploading photos and videos to YouTube and Facebook to document their trip and performances.