Participation in the National Memorial Day Parade was the highlight of the trip for many. This is a true life experience for the students. Five out of five stars! Wonderful!

The students enjoyed the sites they were able to tour. Driving by and pointing out sites is fine, and it is understandable given the density of sites in Washington, that choices have to be made. I heard many students say that they
would like to go back personally some day and see more. That is why I take groups to DC, as Americans we need to know what is in our Capital!

I will glady be a reference for MCI and the National Memorial Day Parade!

Ky Hascall
Band Director

Click here to see an interview with Grand Marshall Gary Sinise during the National Memorial Day Parade.

Ceremonies, Parade and Rolling Thunder Honor the Fallen

By Jenna Johnson and Sandhya Somashekhar
Washington Post Staff Writers
Tuesday, May 27, 2008; Page B01

In previous years, the families spent Memorial Day at barbecues and pool openings. Yesterday, they sat in folding chairs in the shade of a tent at a grassy cemetery dotted with small American flags to honor 10 loved ones with Maryland ties killed in the past year in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“Right now, we’d be sitting at home, trying to enjoy the holiday,” said Danny Craig of Earleville, on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. His son, Cpl. Brandon M. Craig, 25, was killed in July in Iraq.

“We didn’t know anything about the Army when Brandon joined,” said Mary Jane Craig, who wore her son’s dog tags. “It opens your eyes. It’s a totally different ballgame. We learned so much about our country, Iraq, everything.”

Memorial Day began as a way to recognize troops killed during the Civil War and was expanded after World War I to recognize service members killed in all U.S. wars. With the death tolls in Iraq and Afghanistan increasing, the holiday is also a time to honor troops fighting and dying in current conflicts.

In the Washington region, several ceremonies and concerts, a parade and a rally by Rolling Thunder motorcyclists paid tribute to the fallen troops over the weekend.

Yesterday, President Bush joined visitors on a warm morning at Arlington National Cemetery, where he continued the annual tradition of laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Bush recognized all of the troops who died defending the United States and particularly those who lost their lives in the past year.

Wreaths also were laid at the Air Force and Navy memorials.

In the afternoon, 10 blocks of Constitution Avenue NW were closed for the National Memorial Day Parade, which featured marching bands and military units.

Click here for the rest of the article.

By Tim O’Neil
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
05/09/2008

Once there were 4.7 million doughboys, the jaunty youngsters in American uniform during World War I. Now there is only Cpl. Frank Woodruff Buckles, born on a farm in Missouri more than 107 years ago.

Buckles, of Charles Town, W.Va., is planning a return to Missouri for the Memorial Day weekend ceremonies at Liberty Memorial in Kansas City.

The memorial, overlooking downtown, was dedicated to the Great War in 1921. It expanded two years ago to include the National World War I Museum.

Buckles was born on Feb. 1, 1901, near Bethany in northwestern Missouri. His family moved to Oklahoma when he was 15. One year later, he lied about his age to enlist in the Army and made it to France during the war as an ambulance driver.

In February, he became the last doughboy after another Missouri native, Harry Landis, died in Florida at age 108. Landis had grown up on a farm north of Hannibal.

The last French veteran of World War I died in March. Germany’s last veteran of that war died in January. Only about a dozen veterans worldwide are known to be alive.

to read more, view the article in it’s entirety here

By Jill Harmacinski
The Eagle Tribune

Methuen High School’s Ranger Band picked up some cash from the police yesterday.

The patrolmen’s union donated $500 to the band, which is headed to Washington, D.C., to perform next month.

The Ranger Band will represent Massachusetts in the National Memorial Day Parade on May 26. It is the only high school band in the state to garner that distinction this year.

On Saturday, the band parents association held a giant yard sale and a baked goods sale to raise money for the trip.

Then, yesterday afternoon, union president and Patrolman Joseph Aiello handed the $500 check to band members. The police then played softball with a variety of hefty professional contenders. Union members faced off against retired Boston Bruins, New England Patriots and Red Sox.

A baseball clinic for kids was held before the game.

Congratulations to all of the marching bands selected to participate in the official National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C.!

Arbor View H.S. Outdoor Performance Ensemble, Nevada
Craigmont H.S. Band, Tennessee
D.C. Everest H.S. Band, Wisconsin
Dearborn H.S. Pioneer Marching Band, Michigan
East Aurora Middle School Band, New York
Franklin H.S. Black Knight Marching Band, Pennsylvania
LaRue County Band of Hawks, Kentucky
Methuen H.S. Ranger Marching Band, Massachusetts
Monroe Comprehensive H.S. Golden Tornado Band, Georgia
North Hardin H.S. Marching Band, Kentucky
Park Hill Trojan Marching Band, Missouri
Potosi H.S. Marching Band, Missouri
Pride of Richton Marching Band, Mississippi
Waverly Warrior Marching Band, Michigan
William Allen H.S. Marching Band, Pennsylvania

BY R. NORMAN MOODY
FLORIDA TODAY

COCOA - The American Veteran’s Color Guard has drawn salutes, applause and appreciation from spectators at the parades and special events it has participated in since the group formed in 2001.

Often along parade routes, different generations of veterans will rise, stand at attention and salute as the group marches by.

“One thing you’ll see a lot when we’re in the parades is people coming out in front of us to take pictures,” said Gary Cassell, who co-founded the group with George Hoggard.

Now the marchers are preparing for what could be their biggest parade yet — the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C. Last year, some 250,000 spectators lined the streets.

Click here to read the rest of the story.

The nation’s Capitol will play host to some high-stepping strutters when the Dearborn High School marching band takes to the streets during the annual Memorial Day parade.

It’s a big job — the band was selected to represent Michigan in the parade.

While they’re there, the band will attend a concert at the Navy Memorial, visit the Smithsonian Museum, the Supreme Court and will participate in a wreath-laying ceremony before the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery.

To help defray expenses — band supporters said it would cost about $600 per student to travel to Washington, D.C. — a series of fundraisers was organized to get the band on the road.

Click here for full article

Here’s an excerpt from an article titled “One of the last” that was published in yesterday’s edition of the Grand Forks Herald.

At age 106, [Frank] Buckles is believed to be one of only three living American veterans of World War I, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

“For many years, I would read the figures in The Torch (a veterans magazine) in two columns - one was the number of 4.7 million-something veterans who served, and the other, which kept going down, was the number of us that were still alive,” Buckles said in an interview earlier this year. “I knew one day it would come to this. But I didn’t think I would be one of the few still around to talk about it.”

Buckles is the youngest of the three known living U.S. World War I veterans. When interviewed earlier this year, his voice was raspy, he had difficulty walking and he needed help getting dressed each morning. But his mind was keen, and the memories of his two years in Europe during the war remained clear.

In May, Frank Buckles served as a marshal for the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C., sharing the starring role with actor Gary Sinise. White House officials also had offered to give Buckles a tour on Memorial Day, but his doctor advised that the parade was more than enough excitement for one day.

Buckles said he doesn’t mind all the attention. It’s a salute to his generation, and he just happens to be the only one of his contemporaries available to take a bow. But he said he is a bit concerned over whether he is the right guy for the parade.

“What are you supposed to do when you lead a parade?” Buckles asked.

Besides Buckles, the VA has identified the only other living World War I veterans as Harry Landis, a 107-year-old living in Sun City Center, Fla., and Russell Coffey, a 109-year-old in North Baltimore, Ohio.

It has been a few weeks since our trip to D.C. We would like to thank you for working with the Stephenson High School Band during our special National Memorial Day Parade in D.C. Thanks for such a professional job that you guys displayed for our students and parents. We truly appreciate you! As you could see from the photos, our students had a life long weekend of work, sightseeing and fun.

We look forward to another opportunity such as this one.

Nelson Render
Stephenson High Band Director

Words cannot express my appreciation for the hard work and organization of Music Celebrations International in making our trip to Washington, D.C. so enjoyable and memorable. It was such an honor to be involved (in the Parade) with so many outstanding bands from across the country. This will be an unforgettable, and possibly, a life changing event in the lives of many young people who were involved in this important event in the history of our country as we celebrate and honor ‘The Greatest Generation’. Thank you again for allowing us to be a part of this (Parade), and to represent our school, community, and our great state of Oklahoma!

Jim Winkle
Elmore City High School

Performing at the WWII Memorial was really special, as was the wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Both were events that my students will never forget. The parade was good - other than the extreme heat. The thing that made the whole tour work was our Tour Guide. He was absolutely outstanding. He was extremely knowledgeable and very friendly and entertaining to the kids. His help was invaluable throughout our time in DC. The hotel and meals were excellent. I was very pleased with how everything was set up for us.

Justin Love
De Soto High School

Marching in the National Memorial Day Parade was an enjoyable and memorable experience. It is a tough call to name one highlight – all of us were really moved by the wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown in Arlington Cemetery, the concert in front of the Capitol, and the parade itself. There were lots of tears from most of our group! Really, everyone got a lot out of the whole trip. Adults and students alike were very impressed.

Alli Coyle
Rio Rico High School Marching Band

I was very pleased with the parade. The event was very well organized and the parade officials were there when we needed help. My personal highlight was that while we were playing I looked across the band and saw the White House. I should have briefly stopped the band to have them look around and enjoy the sights during the parade.

The Music Celebrations staff was very organized and prompt in answering my questions throughout the planning process. The onsite staff was very helpful as well. They made sure they introduced themselves to us and made sure we had everything we needed.

I am looking forward to working with Music Celebrations again. I have already recommended MCI to several of my friends for their upcoming trips.

Troy Cronkhite, Director
Smithville High School Warrior Pride Marching Band

Thank you for organizing and making the trip (National Memorial Day Parade) successful. This trip was the highlight of all my band trips. I did not hear one negative comment from any student or parent during the trip or after.

The intensity in our group on the day of the parade sure gave me chills up my back. I think they were all proud of themselves for being there and performing in front of Washington D.C. fans. The thrill and nerves of how they felt marching in the National Memorial parade will be in their memories for rest of their lives.

I thought every item of organization, paper work, communications, financial, and actual tour was well organized. In 34 years of my teaching career, this is the best experience I had with the band trip.

Again, thanks to all of your staff for a very successful trip due to your hard work.

Tom Dillon, Band Director
Artesia High School

Click here to watch the show!

By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, May 28, 2007 – Seven months ago, on Veterans Day, Army Spc. Jace Badia was carried off the battlefield in Ramadi after an insurgent bomb left him nearly dead — his left leg gone, his right leg shattered and his right arm and back broken.

A testament to the will of today’s warriors and the miracles of 21st century combat medicine, Badia today joined a handful of other wounded soldiers being carried down historic Constitution Avenue, just blocks from the nation’s Capitol, on the Grand Marshal’s float in the National Memorial Day Parade.

With thousands of onlookers cheering, Badia joined seven other wounded warriors and Hollywood star Gary Sinise to lead the parade. Six rode in the lead float, and two followed in a Hummer.

“I never in a million years thought I’d even be in a parade,” said Badia. “I’m really glad I can be out here and able to show the people that, even though I’m injured, I’m still fighting in spirit.”

As his red-white-and-blue float, sporting a golden American eagle, rolled down the 10-block route, Badia said he had one person specifically in mind – his friend and fellow infantryman, Cpl. Eric Palaciosrivera, who was killed by insurgent sniper fire three days after Badia was injured.

“I think about him every day. He was just a really good guy,” Badia said.

Badia also said he thinks about “every single serviceman who has served and died for our country.”

His message to those still serving is simple.

“Keep fighting. It’s for a good cause – freedom,” he said.

In its second [third] year, the parade drew more than 150,000 spectators. This year’s official estimates are not yet released. The parade included 160 elements, including 20 bands, youth groups, and veterans groups from every conflict since World War I. It is sponsored by the American Veterans Center, in association with the White House Commission on Remembrance.

Here is the rest of the story.

National Memorial Day Parade to Feature Actor Gary Sinise, U.S. Air Force Band and Veterans From All Branches of Military

WASHINGTON, May 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The American Veterans Center again presents the annual National Memorial Day Parade, Monday, May 28, at 2 p.m. along Constitution Avenue.

The parade features Honorary Marshal actor Gary Sinise, (best known for his role as Lt. Dan in Forrest Gump and current star of TV’s “CSI New York”). The Grand Marshals are a contingent of wounded heroes from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Honorary Marshal for WWI is Frank Buckles — one of the last living American veterans of “The Great War.”

Leading the parade is the U.S. Air Force band and the marching band from Washington, DC’s Eastern High School.

Other highlights along with floats, military vehicles and active duty military, include:

* The parade commemorates the 60th Anniversary of the United States Air Force with an Air Force flyover in the “Missing Man Formation” during a National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. when the parade will halt for one minute.

* Veterans of the “Band of Brothers,” E. Company of the 506th Parachute Infantry, 101st Airborne Division of World War II, made famous by the HBO miniseries by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg.

* Tuskegee Airmen, pioneers who formed the first unit of black fighter pilots during World War II. The Tuskegee Airmen were recently awarded Congressional Gold Medals by President George W. Bush for their heroic service.

* Singer Pat Boone performs his tribute song to the National Guard called “For My Country” prior to the start of the parade.

* Parade announcer is Adrian Cronauer, the famed Vietnam disc jockey portrayed by Robin Williams in the movie, Good Morning, Vietnam!

* Several of the “Doolittle Raiders.” 65 years ago, sixteen American B-25s, led by Jimmy Doolittle, undertook a daring bombing mission against Japan. The raid was a morale boost to the country, reeling from the attack at Pearl Harbor. Included is Doolittle’s co-pilot, Lt. Col. Richard E. Cole.

Harry Porterfield, ABC7Chicago.com

October 23, 2006 - Some band members at Palatine High School got a small part in the big Clint Eastwood-directed World War II movie.

Thirteen students — nine of whom have graduated since the filming — got small parts in the big movie ‘Flags of Our Fathers.’

MCI wants to congratulate Raeleen and the band for this great opportunity and exposure! The Palatine High School Band represented Illinois in 2004 in the National Memorial Day Parade and were in Washington, D.C. with thousands of WWII Veterans for the dedication of the National World War II Memorial. It is only fitting that they should have this experience.

We’re happy to report that Pentagon TV broadcast the full 2006 National Memorial Day Parade to America’s veterans across the globe.

Click here to view the full parade.

Governor Heineman Presents May 26-31, 2006 as Coleridge Bulldog Marching Band Days

Coleridge band strikes a chord for patriotism By Tim Gallagher, Sioux City Journal staff writer

Coleridge, Neb., was named “The Most Patriotic Town in America” in 1919. The reason: The Cedar County community had more natives, per capita, serving in the military than any town in the United States.

After this weekend, I think the 541 residents of Coleridge have a right to make the claim again.

The Coleridge High School Marching Band, all 50 members, is the only Nebraska band marching today in the second annual National Memorial Parade in Washington, D.C.

“We will march on Pennsylvania and Constitution avenues, as close to the White House as you can get,” said Patti Beyeler, band director.

The trip, which involves 140 Coleridge students, parents and boosters, got off to a patriotic start Saturday as four individuals with the group helped place a wreath in a ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

Brothers Ross and Aaron Olsen, both members of the band, helped place the wreath. Their father, Mike Olsen, is currently serving in Iraq with the 189th Transportation Company of the Nebraska Army National Guard. Olsen, who comes home this summer, was to watch the ceremony via satellite on the Pentagon TV network.

“The boys’ mother, Denise Olsen, said their dad would be so proud,” Coleridge Music Boosters President Sally Schroeder said Sunday. “It was an emotional moment for the crowd.”

Beyeler helped lay the wreath as well. The director’s father, the late Clarence Siegworth of Dubuque, Iowa, was shot above the heart by German forces in the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.

“They were ambushed and my dad was the only American to walk out alive,” Beyeler said. “It looked as if he was shot in the heart, so the Germans didn’t shoot him again. He played dead for a day and then made it back to the Americans.”

Siegworth died in 1995. His memory, though, was very much alive this weekend, especially since the World War II Veterans Committee co-sponsors today’s parade.

Read the rest of the story here.

The 2006 National Memorial Day Parade was a big success. We’re happy to learn that the entire parade was broadcast to the active military all over the world. Here are some excerpts from articles published nationwide about this important event:

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“I’d ask each of us in our own way, maybe public and maybe private, to take a few moments to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for America and for the oppressed around the world,” said Army Brig. Gen. Carter Ham, deputy director of regional operations for the Joint Staff, told reporters at a Pentagon briefing….

“Let’s show them this Memorial Day how proud we are of them and how thankful we are,” Ham said. “And let’s never forget those who gave their all for our country.”

General Urges Americans to Pause to Observe Memorial Day, By Donna Miles. LincolnTribune.com, May 25, 2006

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“Making troops aware of that support is an important contribution to the morale of our military members,” [Roxie T. Merritt, spokeswoman for the Defense Department’s “America Supports You” program] added.

America Supports You: National Memorial Day Parade Salutes Veterans, American Forces Press Service, The Military Family Network. May 25, 2006

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The parade “is important,” [U.S. Coast Guard Lt. j.g. Nicholas Tabori] said. It “makes us feel good to get recognized.” …

Sgt. [Sebrina ] Sims [of the D.C. National Guard] said the chance to march in the parade alongside others who served in the recent wars was “an honor.”

“I am a veteran, and I honor all vets,” Sgt. Sims said. “If I could do it [march in the parade] next year, I’d love to.”

Forces in Iraq get a chance to enjoy time in limelight, By Gary Emerling. THE WASHINGTON TIMES, May 30, 2006

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Becky Boyd couldn’t keep the tears from coming yesterday as she watched hundreds of military veterans march by her during the second annual National Memorial Day Parade.

“I just love my country,” said Miss Boyd, 40, who came to the parade with her boyfriend, James Murray, a disabled former Army Ranger. “We’re lucky to be free because of all these people.”

The couple, who came from Erie, Pa., to Washington for Memorial Day weekend, were among the thousands that lined Constitution Avenue for the noon event, which featured more than 3,000 participants.

The parade began with a military flyover and the Pledge of Allegiance led by six Medal of Honor recipients. It ended with more than 600 military personnel who had returned recently from the war on terror marching from Constitution Avenue to 15th Street Northwest to Pennsylvania Avenue.

Patriotism, pomp presented for veterans, By Gary Emerling and Michael Hunsberger, THE WASHINGTON TIMES. May 30, 2006

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Among the many veterans, active military units and war re-enactors marching down Constitution Avenue … were hundreds of high school students in heavy wool uniforms.

High school bands came on buses from across the country this weekend to play in the National Memorial Day Parade, pay tribute to America’s fallen, and learn some history lessons from the monuments, museums and living heroes here.

Justin Love, band director at Desoto High School, Kansas, said many of the marching bands were here thanks to invitations from “Music Celebrations International,” a company that provides performance and educational opportunities to music groups. The invitations came based on recommendations from past performances and awards they have received.

“Our band has been here before, but it’s been about 10 years,” Love said, adding that his group has had a full Memorial Day weekend taking in lots of national history. “It’s real special for these kids to come and be a part of this.”…

James Bruin, whose son plays trumpet in Lake Orion, Mich., said, “It was just a wonderful experience for the kids. … We feel the history of our country is very, very important to our children’s education, and this tied in very nicely.” …

Student Musicians March with Troops to Honor, Learn, By Paul X. Rutz. American Forces Press Service, May 29, 2006

The multi-award winning NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT is the premier memorial service for the United States, honoring the service and sacrifice that so many American servicemen and women have made for their country. In this concert, we remember the thousands who have given their lives as well as the wounded and their families - from Iraq to Vietnam, Korea and World War II.

Bands participating in the National Memorial Day Parade (like the Finneytown High School Marching Band this year) and other musical groups in Washington, D.C. during Memorial Day can attend this concert held on the Capitol Lawn.

The following is an excerpt from CNN about this year’s concert (please note that Gary Sinise will also serve as the 2006 National Memorial Day Parade Grand Marshall):

When Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise host Sunday’s annual “National Memorial Day Concert” in Washington they’ll have special guests on hand: relatives who served in World War II.

“I’m going to be bringing my Uncle Jack this year,” Sinise said, referring to 83-year-old Jack Sinise, who flew 30 missions over Germany as a B-17 navigator.

Mantegna’s guest of honor is his uncle, William Novelli, also 83, who was part of Gen. George S. Patton’s Third Army and is among several WWII veterans in Mantegna’s family.

They are just two of the many men and women whose military service deserves the nation’s attention and thanks, the actors said.

Finish the rest of the story here.

Oregon City High School Pioneers

WHEREAS: The Oregon City High School Band has been selected to represent the state of Oregon in the 2006 National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C. and the National Festival of the States in Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS: The Oregon City High School Band, under the direction of William Bartman, was selected on the basis of recommendations from state music officials, superior performance ratings and past competition results; and

WHEREAS: The Oregon City High School Band is honored to be included in a limited number of very select musical groups from each of the 50 States who will reflect and honor America’s rich musical and cultural heritage in our nation’s capital; and

WHEREAS: The Oregon City High School Band will perform in the national parade and festival from May 26-30, 2006; and

WHEREAS: It is fitting and proper to bring special recognition to this outstanding group of Oregonians.

NOW, THEREFORE: I, Theodore R. Kulongoski, Governor of the State of Oregon, hereby proclaim May 26-30, 2006 to be

the Oregon City High School Band Days in Oregon

and encourage all Oregonians to join in this observance.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand and cause the Great Seal of the State of Oregon to be affixed. Done at the Capitol in the City of Salem in the State of Oregon on this day, April 7, 2006.

(signed)

Theodore R. Kulongoski, Governor

Bill Bradbury, Secretary of State