Michigan marching band honors Patrick Fleming at football game
The Michigan marching band left a space in all of its formations Saturday to honor Patrick Fleming, who died last week from injuries he suffered in an automobile accident.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
The University of Michigan marching band honored trumpeter Patrick Fleming by leaving his space in the marching line open during all performances Saturday in Michigan’s 58-0 win over Minnesota.
Fleming, 20, died Monday morning following a car crash on US-23 near Fenton.
A Michigan marching band member shows her emotions as Patrick Fleming was honored before the game.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
The space left open for Fleming was the bottom of the north half of the block “M,” the third spot from center, near the 42-yard line.
The band also wore black bands on its uniform along with trumpet pins.
Fleming was then honored with a moment of silence prior to the national anthem, and the halftime performance of “Hey Jude” was dedicated in Fleming’s honor.
Fleming, a Pioneer High School graduate, was a University of Michigan-Flint sophomore living in Ypsilanti. He made the 90-minute drive from Flint to Ann Arbor daily for Michigan band practice.
Comments
vi4mi4
Mon, Oct 3, 2011 : 8:17 p.m.
..fitting tribute for a Wolverine..perhaps a scholarship in his memory in the future..that was very very touching photo showed of him during halftime.. condolences to his Family, Go Blue! v
The OSU
Sun, Oct 2, 2011 : 10:29 p.m.
Patrick's family (and Michigan bandmembers) should know, Patrick Fleming's loss was also observed with a moment of silence at the "Skull Session" before the OSU game. (The Skull Session is the OSU Band's final practice at St. John's Arena immediately before the game and is attended by about 10,000 fans.) His timely death was felt by all in the Big Ten family. While we cannot change his passing, we celebrate his life, mourn his loss and honor his memory.
Tru2Blu76
Sun, Oct 2, 2011 : 5:41 p.m.
A famous American once said: "It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived." I truly thank God that Patrick Fleming lived.
WalkingJoe
Sun, Oct 2, 2011 : 1:17 a.m.
Was at the game and it was a great way for the band to pay tribute to, from what I've read and heard from a friend of ours, a fine young man. May his family find peace in this tragic time.