*The American Legion Band played on Waltham Common on Aug. 25, 2026. Photo by Tim Lok.*

For nearly 80 years the American Legion Band has been a fixture in Waltham, performing at parades, concerts and veterans’ events while welcoming generations of musicians into its ranks. The band carried forward this tradition on Aug. 25, playing the final show of the Concerts on the Common series to a rapt audience on the lawn surrounding the gazebo on Waltham Common. The concert series was presented by the Waltham Arts Council.

The band currently consists of about 40 members, both veterans and civilians, ranging in age from teens to 80s and hailing from Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. There has been an international flavor as well over the years, with temporary members joining from as far away as Brazil, Israel and the United Kingdom.

Membership is open to all ages, and there are no fees or auditions. You don’t have to be affiliated or have served with any military branch or be a member of the American Legion to join the band.

Enjoy these photos by Tim Lok of band musicians.