Marauders March in National Memorial Day Parade
Parade in the Nation’s Capital by Invitation Only
ROCKSPRINGS – There is something very special about the Meigs Marauder Band. It is not just a group of high school students performing at half time during football games. There is something so much more it that landed the band a spot in the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C.
The Meigs Marauders were seen on national television during the parade. They were marching in the parade with celebrities like Gary Sinise and many decorated veterans including the Tuskegee Airmen to honor those who gave all for the United States of America.
Based on the personal nomination of Congressman Bill Johnson, The Meigs Marauder Band returned to Washington, D.C. and represented the State of Ohio, and South Eastern Ohio in the National Memorial Day Parade.
The National Memorial Day Parade, presented by Boeing, is a three hour parade that passes alongside the National Mall, moving down historic Constitution Avenue from 7th Street to 17th Street before a street crowd of several hundred thousand street spectators. The parade consists of select marching bands and veteran units from each of the 50 states, musical ensembles from each branch of the military, large helium filled balloons and specialty units, floats and VIP’s. More than 10,000 participants take part in the parade each year.
The Marauders performed in Washington, D.C. at the Jefferson Memorial last April and there were no plans to travel again for at least another four years, however after the recommendation was received and the event was researched by band director Toney Dingess and the MHS Band Boosters, the decision was made to accept the invitation and take the Marching Band back to the nation’s capital.
The band stayed two nights and three days in the capital and toured the historic city. According to the Meigs Band Director, one highlight was attending the National Symphony’s Memorial Day Concert on Sunday evening on the grounds of the Capitol, followed by a fireworks display.
The Meigs Band received their invitation after Dan Halliburton, a representative of Congressman Johnson’s office heard the Marauders perform at the grand opening of the new Farmers Bank. Halliburton contacted the congressman and upon his recommendation Meigs was invited to participate.
The cost of this trip was $385.00 to $450.00 per participant. According to Dingess there are still several students that are trying to pay their fees, so anyone in the community that would like to donate to help the Marauders and help the band boosters can do so by either mailing their donation to The Meigs High School Band, Meigs High School, 42091 Pomeroy Pike, Pomeroy Oh, 45769, see Dingess or drop off a donation at Clark’s Jewelry Store on Court Street in Pomeroy.
