Fort Mill High School Band to Honor Local Soldiers in Upcoming International Trip
Fort Mill, South Carolina – On Veterans Day, the Fort Mill High School band received exciting news: they will embark on an international trip to France and Switzerland in 2026. This journey is significant as it coincides with the 250th anniversary of America’s independence and serves to honor the memory of 40 fallen soldiers from Fort Mill who died in World War I and World War II.
Performance to Commemorate Local Heroes
The band’s trip will feature a performance at the Epinal American Cemetery in eastern France, an important site where two local soldiers will be specifically honored. One of these soldiers is Pvt. Odell Myers, who was killed in combat in 1945 at the age of 23. At the time of his deployment, Myers was a dedicated family man living on Lee Street in Fort Mill, where he worked at one of the Springs mills. He had been in service for just nine months when he went overseas in December 1944. Tragically, in January 1945, Myers’ wife received a letter stating he was “missing in action.” By March, the news came that Myers had been killed in France on January 5, 1945.
The other soldier being honored, Sgt. Tom Hall, holds the distinction of being Fort Mill’s only Medal of Honor recipient. Hall was posthumously awarded this honor for his extraordinary bravery during World War I on October 8, 1918. His actions during combat near Montbrehain, France, saved his platoon from a fierce enemy machine-gun barrage. Despite knowing the danger, Hall led a charge against the enemy and was mortally wounded while attacking another machine gun nest. He was 25 years old at the time of his death. Today, he rests in Unity Cemetery located just off Tom Hall Street in Fort Mill.
A Tradition of Military Commemoration
This impending trip is not the first military-related journey undertaken by the Fort Mill band. In 2018, they performed at the Normandy American Cemetery, paying tribute to American soldiers who fought during World War II. Furthermore, decades ago, the band visited Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, showcasing a tradition of honoring military history through music.
The Band’s Legacy of Excellence
Fort Mill’s band program is recognized as one of the most accomplished in South Carolina, boasting an impressive record of 24 state marching band titles. Their dedication to excellence reflects the importance of these commemorative performances, as they not only celebrate local history but also instill a sense of pride and remembrance in the community.
Engaging the Community and Beyond
In addition to Fort Mill, local high schools from Rock Hill have also participated in similar commemorative events, including recent performances at Pearl Harbor, further demonstrating the strong connection between educational institutions and military commemorations.
As the Fort Mill High School band prepares for this noteworthy expedition in 2026, the townspeople eagerly anticipate their performance, which promises to honor the legacy of their hometown heroes and reflect on the sacrifices made by local soldiers in past wars.
