The first group of Herndon High School students, members of Pride of Herndon Marching Band, and support staff, departed for their long-awaited trip to Normandy, France, Tuesday, June 4, taking off early in the afternoon.

The Pride of Herndon represented the United States in a parade marking the 75th anniversary of the D-Day invasion on the coast of France known as the "liberation of Europe." June 6 is the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

According to Herndon High School Band, the Pride will honor the World War II servicemen and women, veterans, active duty military, and their families and pay a special tribute to the men of the U.S.S. Herndon, the destroyer that led the Allied naval armada in the assault on France. The marching banner will have a photograph of the ship, and each student will carry a picture of one of the veterans as they march.