Saugus salutes the U.S. Military

An unwritten rule of sorts is that a crowd of at least 200 strong must show up to a U.S. Navy Band show for the talented musicians to return to the same location another year.

Well, the odds of a repeat performance in Saugus seem pretty strong after an estimated 300 residents turned out at Breakheart Reservation Tuesday night to watch the renowned military band.

A mix of young families and seniors spread out on the lawn in front of the gazebo at Breakheart for the U.S. Navy Band show. The 39-piece ensemble band played for two hours and entertained onlookers with a series of patriotic anthems such as "Proud to be an American" and "God Bless America."

By no means one-trick ponies, the band displayed its considerable range by sprinkling in upbeat Big Band-style selections and melodic ditties.

The audience eagerly soaked up what the musicians had to offer, clapping along and tapping feet to many of the songs.

The free concert was co-sponsored by the Friends of Breakheart Reservation and Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Each year the Friends seek out quality entertainment to encourage local residents who might not know a lot about the state park to check out Breakheart.

Gazing out at the dozens of occupied lawn chairs in front of him, Friends of Breakheart Reservation Board of Directors Chairman Ed Murray said the U.S. Navy Band allowed that to happen.

"They brought in people who have probably never been here before," Murray said. "It's great to see so many people show their support for the armed forces."

Prior to the performance, U.S. Navy band members enjoyed an Italian dinner feast prepared by the Friends of Breakheart Reservation. The menu included plenty of pasta, meatballs, sausage, salad and Patty Jozsa's special dessert — think American flag colors — of strawberries, blueberries and whipped cream.

Murray thanked Jozsa, Laura Smith and Karen Moore for cooking up the meal and sending the band back to its base in Newport, RI with sandwiches. He also commended the DCR for all of the assistance setting up before the concert.