Old Bridge High School marching band to represent East Coast during 71st D-Day anniversary in France

OLD BRIDGE (WABC) -- These kids go for it in every note - that is how they got noticed by American Veterans who chose Old Bridge High School's Marching Knights to represent the entire East Coast during the 71st D-Day anniversary in France.

"We've been hearing about D-Day and Normandy since we were little, and to go and see it, it's an experience to have," says junior Tara O'Dowd.

"It's an honor because we've been so many places like Giants Stadium and DC, and everyone is so proud of us," freshman Ryan Powell adds.

Band director Melissa Thatcher is just as hard a worker as her band. She is trying to make 'The Week to Remember' easier to afford for the kids. Her fundraisers already brought in $35,000 for students who are among the top of their classes as well.

"These students are dedicated. They rehearse 500 hours, which speaks volumes of their dedication and perseverance to try to accomplish things," says Thatcher.

They need to raise about $270,000 to get the kids and their equipment over to France for a week, so they are certainly in fundraising mode, and hope that support will come in strong.

Donations can be made through the Marching Knights' website, and other fundraising sites. Right now, it is crunch time with a little more than a month before the big day, and they promise to make us all look good!

"We always show a sense of pride when we practice at competition, we show we are proud to be an Old Bridge band," says sophomore Catlin Ellis-Foster.

To visit their website, CLICK HERE and to donate on GoFundMe, search "Knights to Normandy France Trip".