Herbert Day Obituary

I played trumpet in the Regimental Band at The Citadel. Major Day increased my skills are a player, and always offered great life advice. He was a man of great stature and always commanded respect.

Semper Fi and Taps for a great Marine.

Don Donatt
Cpl, USMC, Trumpet
75-79

TO MY BELOVED BROTHER IN LAW,WHICH WAS A TITLE, KNOWN TO ME AS A SECOND FATHER, YOU WILL ALWAYS BE CHERRISHED. ALTHOUGH MY HEART IS BROKEN GOD IS SMILING DOWN ON US AND TELLING US EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT. I KNOW AS A MENTOR TO SO MANY OTHERS HE LOVED YOU ALL AS THE STRONG AND STERN MAN YOU KNEW, I KNEW DIFFERENTLY, HE WAS THE MOST LOVING AND CARING MAN NOT ONLY TO ME BUT TO HIS FAMILY, HIS WIFE, MY LOVING SISTER, TISHA, HIS SON SCOTT AND DAUGHTER DAWN. IT WAS SUCH A SHOCK TO ALL OF US, NOT TO BE ABLE TO TELL HIM BYE, BUT WE WILL ALL SEE HIM AGAIN ONE DAY, HE HAS NOW RECEIVED HIS WINGS WITH LOVING MEMORIES. I LOVE YOU HERBIE!

I served with Herbie( he will always be Herbie to me)in the 5th Marine division band at Camp Pendleton I play trumpet also. I'm very sorry what happened.

I knew Major Day when he was the head of the Marine Band field. To a young sergeant at the time[me], he was motivating and encouraging. It was GOOD to be around Major Herb Day! Everything conveyed through his presence was a good lesson for a young Marine. Under his leadership, the band field progressed, technically as well as militarily.

If a man's accomplishments in life might be reflected in how he is remembered, then the accomplishments of Major Herb Day are many.

I am grateful to have known him...even for a little while.

Semper Fi!

I have been playing the Stars Spangled Banner for as long as I can remember. I have played most of them either sitting next to or being directed by Major Day. Each time we played it, tears formed in his eyes. That was who he was. The world is better for having him and will be better going forward because of him.

I remember with fondness, Major "Herb" Day. He was the consummate professional and a fine leader and musician. Major Day was the OIC, Marine Element at the School of Music when I attended the Army Basic Instrumentalist Course in October 1976. My thoughts and prayers are offered to his family at this time.

Glenn Moore
1SG (United States Army) retired
US Army Band Program

Major Day was a wonderful mentor and friend. I remember the days of the first few Citadel Band Camps - first as a camper then as a helper. He was one of those people you respected because they were incredibly strict yet you knew he was just trying to bring out the best in every single person. My favorite memories were the stories he would tell about his band experiences.

I guess that I am happy that He will be reporting to Saint Peter, but I am sad and I will miss him. He was a Great man and a Damn Good Marine. Fair winds and following seas. Semper Fidelis, Major Day.

Robert D. Sumner Jr
USMC (Ret.)
[email protected]

There are so many memories of our growing up years in wonderful ole St. Elmo and Lookout JH followed by our years at City High that it would take volumns and hours to put together. Wonderful visits to see Herbie and Patricia in Washinton, DC, where they really rolled out the red carpet for us and then followed by a great trip to Charleston where we were given many hours of fun and laughter as we toured Charleston and the Citadel. A better friend no one could have. He always put his friends first and foremost. My thoughts of Herbie at this time, are, God needed a new music director and he now has the best from this earthly domain and we have not lost Herbie, because he is now our truely Gardian Angel and I know he is watching over us as we go on with our earthly duties. Patricia, I loved Herbie like family and I love you for being such a good wife and mother of his woderful children. May God Bless and Keep you and our thoughts and memories of Herbie, will always be cherished. With Love, Al Stone

Such sad news to hear today. He will always be "Herbie" Day to me as he was a friend of my youth growing up in St. Elmo in Chattanooga. I saw him in recent years at the Lookout Jr. High reunions in St. Elmo, and it'll be less without him next year. We are all saddened to lose our old friend.
Charlotte (Bowers) Hardin

I'm a fellow Marine musician who served with Herbie. His service and legacy adds much luster to our proud tradition.
Jesse Sunderland
Capt/USMC bands/Retired.
[email protected]

My daughter was in the Stratford High School Band and also dated a cadet. It was exciting to see Major Day on the field in his Marine uniform. My husband also knew him and he shared Maj. Day's middle name. He passed away on Sept. 9, 2006. We remembered the Major many times. My husband always said, "you can tell he was a Marine
Ooorah...

Major Day and the Citadel band were the bright spots, probably the only things that made "Knob days" bearable for our son. I see that he was only a few months younger than I am...God called him home much too soon. RIP, Major Day, thank you and God's blessings for all you did for our son, Timothy. Barbara & Richard Dell

Herb was such an inspiration to people.
He could get more out of musicians that
they knew they had. We will miss this
wonderful teacher.

What a tremendous loss! Major Day was not only a driving musical force in our boys' (Ryan and Justin) lives, but a role model for integrity, accountability, and excellence in all aspects of character. We parents appreciated his considerable positive inlfuence on our children. Citadel Band Camps were always the highlight of the year for the entire family. We are ever grateful to have crossed paths with Maj. Day.

I have never met a man who inspired the same amount of fear and admiration in me at once. Major Day was first a teacher to me, then later a mentor and finally a colleague. Through all of it he taught me how to be passionate about teaching and performing while being professional and respecting the music and people one works with. I knew Herbert Day for 22 years and even though I'm sure I could have, I never thought to call him anything other than "Major".

What a wonderful person Major Day was!! He was my daughter's mentor. My daughter, Christine Grenier had the pleasure of working with Major Day in the Charleston Community Band and attending Citadel Band Camps. She was informed from Suzanne Reed of his sudden death and called me; very upset; she was so saddened by his death. We will all miss him; such a great person! His lovely spirit, diligence, kindness, and love for music will live with us forever and we thank him for the joy that he gave us! Sincerely, Mary Grenier

I'm speechless just now. I had emailed Herb just seconds before learning of this horrible news. We had been in quite frequent contact for a year or so, upon being sort of re-introduced by Herb's good friend Tommy Thatch. We had been good friends and band mates at Chattanooga High School, and picked up where we left off, all those years ago. I had do looked forward to getting together when our band plays at the Hibernian in November. Herb and I used to play, as high schoolers, in the TEPCO band. Plants and factories used to actually have concert bands back then.
My sincerest condolences to his family I was anxious to hear all about.
Beyond sad. I'm so sorry.
Harry Hagan, Atlanta

Oh what a loss for us and what a joyous day for Major Day. He has the heavenly band to lead! I was shaped by his mentorship and musical expertise and Loved every moment with him. His band camps were awesome and his praise was so desired by us all. A compliment from Major Day would never be forgotten because he was so admired! I feel so lucky to have known him and for his influence in my music. God created a masterpiece with major Day!!

To the Day family: Thank you for sharing your precious husband and father with us and supporting him in his calling to spread the joy of music. As a newcomer to Charleston, the Major took me under his expansive wing and became the best mentor, colleague and - ultimately - friend I could have ever wanted. His passion for music education and compassion for teachers and students were unequalled. Some of my most precious musical memories are playing gigs with him and under his baton. Some of my most precious memories of friendship were the times we talked over meals, in his office, or just in passing. He was truly a Masterpiece of the Creator; a gentleman, artist, mentor, counselor and friend.
Herb - thanks for making a difference in my life. I hope I can make you proud by doing so for others.

To The Day Family:
Our sincere condolences on your loss of Major Day. He was a wonderful influence on the music students in the Charleston area and elsewhere..can you not hear his playing in heaven what a beautiful sound that must be. Our thoughts and prayers continue for all of you during this very difficult time. God Bless and we all thank you for sharing this special man with all of us...
Sincerely,
J.D. Cox/Kathy Cox
Northbridge Piggly Wiggly (ret)

Major Day was always nice to me...anytime I would drive over from Marietta, GA to watch the Parade on the weekend - he would go out of his way to greet me. A good man.

Mrs. Day,
I am so sorry to hear about Major Day. I played trumpet under his direction back in 1985 and 1986 in the Berkeley County Honor Band for the Fourth of July Celebration in Moncks Corner as well in 1988 in All County Band. Obviously I was in High School then, but he was a major influence in my life then with regards to music, as well as seeing my potential in life. My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

I will miss you, my good friend, Tommy Thatch

We were so saddened by Herb's passing. He was such a wonderful influence on our entire family...Rich, working with him at the Citadel Band Camps; Erin, Ryan, and Kate as campers and members in the Berkeley County honor band he conducted; and Joyce, as a flute player in the Charleston Community Band and Winter Winds. The world is a better place for Herb Day having been there. He will be greatly missed.

To the family of our dear friend: May God reveal His presence to each of you during this difficult time. I have treasured memories from our childhood, growing up in Alton Park, and going to school together in elementary school and Lookout Junior High. The years never changed our friendship. Herb was so gracious to take our grandson, Josh under his wings at The Citadel. We want you all to know what a wonderful friend he has been to our family. God bless you.

Pat, we were so sorry to hear about Herb. Carl and I are on vacation in Maryland and will not be back until Thursday. Our prayers and sympathy are with you and your family at this time. May God bless you. Pat and Carl Tolbert

Dawn and family,

I met your dad a few times at the Carolina Band and he always had a spring in his step and a smile on his face. Especially when talking about music and bands.

My deepest sympathies.

Mrs. Day & Family: Mrs. Day don't know if you would remember me, a couple of months ago in Belk Department Store I greeted you guys remembering Major Day as my son's music instructor and he remembered Matthew at Citadel Band Camp. The day I saw you guys, Major Day still his jubliant self! Sadden of your lost but Major Day touched sooooooo many lives. May God Forever Keep all of you.
"Grateful Our Lives Crossed Paths"
Matthew Maurice Backman
Citadel Band Camp-1998
Chloe Myers Backman-JIHS Band Parent

To the Day Family,

These few words will never suffice for the impact Herb has had on my life, both as a musician and a human being. I first came to know him when I was a fledgling high school student under Ray Haney. His personality, love of music and people encouraged me to pursue a career in music education. 30 years later, I see you, Herb in the daily work that I do to motivate and educate students. One of the most impressive memories of Herb was the first time I saw him in his dress uniform before conducting one of our honors bands. Herb, you will be greatly missed and your legacy will live on through those whose lives you have touched. Rest in peace...

Mrs. Day, Dawn and other family members, my thoughts of sympathy and condolences are with you at this time of grief and sorrow. Herb was a wonderful friend and colleague to me. I had the highest respect and admiration for Herb. He was a model gentleman in every way. May you find comfort through the many wonderful memories you shared in life with Herb.

Patricia,Dawn,Scott and Terry,So very sorry to hear about Herbie, He was one of the nicest friendly,intelligent people i have ever known.Always full of life and everyone loved to be around him. I will miss him forever.There is no one that could replace him.God will welcome him.Love you'll always. Take care and see you'll tomorrow.

Major Day was and always will be such an influential part of my life. He was a wonderful man, neighbor, Hero, and "second-father" to me. He and "Tish" have been through so much over the years with me - some good, some bad - none-the-less, always there, and I am forever grateful. I also can't forget my babysitter extraordinaire - Dawn! ;)

All of my heartfelt thoughts, prayers, and love are with you.
Jennifer (Masi) Taylor and Family.

My deepest sympathies to the Day family at this time of your loss. Herb was a great man and a great Marine, and a man I called, friend. I will always remember his thoughtfulness and his high standards. Many people were blessed by him both personally and professionally, and I was one of them. I'll never forget my posting to the 3rd MAW in December 1983 - He warned me about being too "Abrasive" a mantle I gladly championed and his support for me in tough times was as he promised. I can't forget him and nor shall I. God Bless you all.

Mrs Day & family, We were so sorry to hear about the passing of Herb. He was a kind gentleman. We will always remember him playing at our daughter's wedding at St. Barnabas in May, 1943. We send our love and prayers to all of your family.

Herb and I served together in our early days in the Corps. Sousa will be glad to know that he is on the way as I am saddened by his passing. MSgt Frank Gagliardi Ret. San Diego,Ca.

Patricia and family, I was so sorry to hear about the passing of Herbie. Mama called me this morning and told me. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very sad time. we love you all. Delores and family.

Several years ago I met him on a break when he sat in at Gennaro's. He asked me if I played and told him it had been over 25 years. He encouaged me to start up again. Years after that he spotted me in a rehearsal on his way to take the podium as guest conductor. He immediately went out of his way to greet me by name, and to tell me that he was happy to see I took it up again. Needless to say he got my best efforts. I think we all agree he had a rare talent for commanding respect by example. You just don't get to get to meet many people like Herb. It stays with you for life.

Tish, Dawn, and Scott, I have too many stories and great feelings when I think of Herb. I loved, admired, and respected him. His love of music and teaching are the gifts that he has inspired in me. I will think of him every day and remember how Herbie would have done it. I have already found myself quoting him to my students! Y'all are in my prayers!
Suzanne Kerr Reed

Dear Trish, Dawn, and family, I don't have words to express my feelings at a time like this, but I will certainly keep you all in my prayers. What an inspiration Herb was to everyone he came in contact with. He had that special gift to make everyone around him feel better. It was a always such a joy to see him with that big smile. I feel honored to have known Herb and even more honored that he allowed me to call him my friend. Sincerely, Gus Moody

Mrs. Day and family, May I offer my sincerest sympathy. My first meeting with the Major was in 1974 at the School of Music as a young PFC going through the Basic Music Course. I still remember the day he held a personnel inspection and payed me a compliment on my spit shin shoes. A vivid memory to this day. Thank you for everything Major. Semper Fidelis, Craig Wells, MSgt USMC Ret.

Im so sorry to hear of Herb's passing. Over the past year or so, Herb has helped our American Legion Post 147 Honor Guard as a Bugler and participated in Full Military Honors ceremonies. With all the things he had to do, he still found time to volunteer and help us out. We will miss him for what he contributed to this world while he was here, and the impression he left on every life he touched. Rest in peace, Herb

Major Day...A great Marine. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Major Day was instrumental in me becoming a Drum Major in the Marine Drum and Bugle Corps field and as well the Drum Major with The Commandant's Own in my later years. He always took care of the music field and "his" Marines. My he rest in peace. Semper Fi, MGySgt Michael H. Gardner USMC (Ret)

My deepest sympathies to the Day family at your loss. Herb was a great man and a great Marine, and a superlative friend. I will always remember his kindness and his high standards, and think his days were too short. Many people were blessed by him both personally and professionally, and he was an inspiration. God Bless you all.

I remember well my first meeting with Major Day. I had just entered the Armer Forces School of Music in Spring 1978 and this wonderful Officer whom I had never met, was the OIC of the Marine Element. His infectious enthusiasm and positive leadership were warm and inviting to a brand new PFC in strange surroundings. I could not help but notice it affected the entire Marine Element in a positive way. He shall be missed by all of us whose lives he changed for the better.
Fair winds and following seas, Brandy Fitzgerald, USMC Band, Retired

Mrs. Day and Family,
I have so many great memories of Major Day. I was a member of Band Company from 1989 to 1993. Major Day was a great man who insisted on excellence and encouraged you to perform at your best. His words of wisdom and compassion will forever be a part of me. May the Lord bless you and provide comfort during this time.

To the Day Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. God will give you strength in your time of sorrow.
I was a co-worker of Mary Ann Givens at the Diagnostic Center in Chattanooga. Knowing the high regard in which she held her brother, he must have been a wonderful person.

I was sadden to read of your loss. I too have loss dear love ones in death. But my true comfort came from above. As 2 Corinthians 1:3 states, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort." This helps us to appreciate that God can help his faithful servants to endure any problem or challenge. Please look to him to bring true comfort at this sad time. I am again sorrow about your loss.

Mrs. Day...May it comfort you and your family to know, that when you lose a loved one who has meant so much and touched many people's lives, the grief that you are feeling cannot take away the "love" and "happiness" you all shared. May he forever be in your heart. His music has made a "mark" on us...but just think about the "mark" he's going to make in HEAVEN!!! WATCH OUT...HERE HE COMES...May God Bless you and your Family. Geri Jones
Citadel/Commandant's Dept

Mrs. Day and family, you have our deepest sympathy and all are in our prayers. We thought highly of Major Day.
The parents of Colin Chinn, Citadel class of 1996 Band Co. and Cory Chinn, Citadel class of 2000 Band Co.

Though Major Day's tenure at The Citadel was after my graduation, and I did not know him in the Marine Corps, I did have the privilege to meet him. I had the honor of having my retirement parade at The Citadel in October 1994 (16 years ago come next week), while on terminal leave. After Tango Company had passed the reviewing stand during the pass-in-review, the Regimental Band marched up to the reviewing stand where I enjoyed my first and final moment of martial glory, having the unexpected honor to take the review alongside LTG Claudius Watts, USAF (Ret.) ('58), the President of The Citadel. The band (under the direction of the late Major Herb Day, USMC (Ret.) played "Auld Lang Syne" and "The Marines' Hymn" at 20 paces, and it took all of the military composure that had been drummed into me just a few yards away 26 years previously, reinforced at Quantico, to maintain my proper position of attention and composure. I will forever owe band Company for that. Band Company, I salute you! I was proud to march to the skirl of the pipes and the beat of your drums for four years long ago in my departed youth (and I forgive you for the blaring bugles at reveille every morning for those same four years.) In fact, here in Iraq I use the treadmill in the gym, and march on it to the inspiring tunes well and ably played on the latest Band Company CD. I spoke with Major Day after the parade when I went into the P-T Barracks to thank the Band Company Commander for the honor his unit had done me in my final moment in uniform. It was his idea. May he rest in peace.

Semper Fi & Go Dogs,

Walter McTernan '72
LtCol, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.)

Mrs.Day and Dawn,

So sorry to hear about Maj. Day. We know he is rejoicing in heaven with that glorious smile of his. Your family is in our prayers.
Michael and Cheryl McCrimmon

That band of angels had better tighten up, because someone is coming who will rip some lips off.

What a four years I had in the Regimental Band, and my last official experience playing in a band under his direction was in the 1991 Edinburgh Tattoo. What a perfect coda to the best four years of my life.

Thank you Major Day, and Semper Fi!

Mrs Day and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I can remember as a child of two Citadel employees, watching Parade every Friday afternoon after school, and being in awe of your husband and the band. He was truly a force to be admired, and the heart of the Citadel Regimental band. He will greatly missed.

Major Day's first year as Director of The Citadel Regimental Band and Pipes was my oldest son's freshman year. Herb often said that they were freshmen together. As a member of the Regimental Band , Citadel Class of 1962, I knew that there was a special place in the hearts of The Citadel family for the Regimental Band and Pipes. I was therefor incredibly thankful that my other two sons followed immediately behind our oldest son as members of the Band and Pipes. I had the awesome thrill of taking homecoming review on my class' 25th reunion, saluting the Regimental Band and Pipes passing in review with #1 son as Company Commander, middle son as Pipe Major and son #3 holding down the bass drum spot as a knob.

Herd was an awesome influence in the lives of my three sons. Not only did he enhance their musical skills and enjoyment, but he provided the loving discipline that has helped mold them into three very fine young men.

To Trish and the family, please accept heartfelt sympathy from the Nuttall family and know that there will always be a place in the heart and soul of The Citadel family for this talented and dedicated leader.

Good bye, dear Herb...

Robert H. Nuttall, Sr.,'62 Citadel Band

Rest in peace Major Day. I know you will be leading a band of angels!

As a "civilian" piping student of Sandy Jones, I had frequent contact with Major Day during the mid-1980s. I always found Major Day to be kind, enthusiastic, and supportive. He was the perfect example of a friend, teacher, mentor, and gentleman. My deepest sympathies to his family.

I am very sorry and saddened to hear of Major Day's passing. I worked with him at The Citadel from 92-95. I remember his love of his family and the pride he took in the Citadel Band. He and Sandy Jones were such a pair - I will always have fond memories of Major Day.
Danyelle Shaw Wright

I had the great honor of playing in the Charleston Community Band for several years under the baton of Major Herb Day. Demanding, yes, but a true gentleman with a heart of gold, YES YES! I will miss you Herb. Bill Perry, Alto Saxophone

To the Day family. Thank you so much for sharing your dear husband and dad with the Community Band every Tuesday night for many years. We admired him, loved him, and he inspired us to follow him. We are so very saddened to hear about Herb's passing and have been sharing stories and superlatives to describe him all day and will continue to do so for a long time to come. Mary Scholtens, clarinet player in the Charleston Community Band

Major Day was a "Major" inspiration, motivator, and mentor to me while I was under his direction at The Citadel. The Citadel would not have been nearly the experience if I had not been in The Citadel Regimental Band. Major Day saw more in me than I did and through him believing in me I was able to learn more of who I was created to be. Thank you Major Day! My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Clay Matthews Class of 1995

So sorry to hear of Major Day's passing. I had the honor of working on a few musical projects with him and he was such a professional and always a gentleman.
Chris Clarke

Ron and I were extremely saddened to learn of Herb's death. The days Ron was in the Community Band with Herb were special. Our son, Britt, knew Herb through the Citadel and that great trip to Scotland. Herb was a talented gentleman and a fine person. We are very sad today. May God look after all of you. We know his was very important to him.God bless you.

Mrs. Day and family, you have our deepest sympathy and all are in our prayers. Our family thought highly of Major Day.
The family of Brandon Laskey Citadel class of 2004 Band Co.
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Laskey