Chapin Band is heading to the capitol in 2012

The Chapin High School Pride of the Midlands Marching Band has recently been selected to be a representative of the State of South Carolina in the 2012 National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C.  Director Kevin Hebert was informed of this selection based upon nomination of Congressman Joe Wilson. This prestigious invitation will take the band to our nation’s capitol from May 25^th to May 28^th of 2012.

The annual National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C. exists to pay tribute to America’s Veterans and our Honored War Dead from the Revolutionary War to Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In 2004, the parade returned to Washington, D.C. after a 60 year absence in order to coincide with the dedication of the National World War II Memorial. The outpouring of appreciation to the veterans of World War II spilled over to veterans of the more recent conflicts as well. The National Park Service, the American Veterans Committee, and Music Celebrations International are the sponsors of the parade.

The parade route is on historic Constitution Avenue, between 7th and 17th Streets.  An audience of hundreds of thousands of spectators is anticipated.

Parade participants will include military units, marching bands, veterans groups, military vehicles, flag teams, and many other exciting and colorful units.  Large patriotic floats and helium-filled balloons will also be a part of procession.

A complete program of sightseeing and other cultural activities will be part of the experience for the Chapin High School Pride of the Midlands Marching Band. The band will also have the opportunity to attend the National Memorial Day Concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, featuring the National Symphony Orchestra broadcast live on PBS.

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