Last week, the Jacksonville State University Marching Southerns traveled to France to take part in the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings. On Saturday, the band was scheduled to perform at a wreath-laying ceremony at the Normandy American Cemetery.

However, the ceremony was canceled after President Joe Biden opted to make an unscheduled stop at the cemetery, which was reportedly called off due to safety concerns for the president.

As soon as the news broke, Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) quickly condemned Biden and his staff for forcing the cancellation.

Joe Biden ruined the experience of a lifetime. @JSU News The performance in Normandy was canceled and students and high school students from all over the country were invited to participate.

Many of these students and their families paid their own tuition fees.

Joe Biden is a national embarrassment. https://t.co/5ZMMVR9CTk

— Coach Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) June 8, 2024

A parent of one of the band members expressed his dissatisfaction on social media, noting that the students had privately raised the funds for the trip.

A similar memorial event planned for the Normandy American Cemetery was canceled today, following disappointment at President Biden's last-minute change of plans.

These young Americans worked hard to raise the funds to come and practice their performance.

They deserve better from the president. https://t.co/rjdOqHcYMv

— Hans G. Schanz (@AetherCzar) June 7, 2024

While the cancellation disappointed parents and students alike, the Marching Southerns' Saturday was not in vain: The band got the chance to take part in a parade that began in Sainte-Mere-Eglise, the first village liberated by American troops after the Normandy landings.

RELATED: Tuberville takes photo of Biden 'asleep' during D-Day ceremony

A wonderful day in Sainte-Mère-Eglise!

The Marching Southerns gave outstanding performances at Le Concert de Liberation and the Normandy D-Day parades.

Next destination: Paris! pic.twitter.com/x2riJBjzz6

— Jacksonville State University (@JSUNews) June 8, 2024

Austin Shipley is a staff writer for Yellow Hammer News. You can follow him on X. @ShipleyAusten