GOV. RITTER CONGRATULATES WINDSOR HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND ON SELECTION AS PARTICIPANT IN UPCOMING OBAMA INAUGURATION EVENT
Gov. Bill Ritter called the Windsor High School Marching Band earlier this morning to congratulate them on their selection as a participant in the 56th Presidential Inaugural Parade scheduled for Washington, DC in January 2009. Gov. Ritter, who was one of several Colorado officials to submit letters of support with the band's application, helped notify and congratulate the band during a morning phone call as they gathered with Windsor Mayor John Vasquez and other family members and supporters.
"It is so appropriate that this particular group of young people be selected to represent Colorado in this historic event," said Gov. Ritter. "They, themselves, have become champions in the face of tremendous adversity. They are a true testament to the spirit of the entire Windsor community and symbolic of the spirit of Colorado."
Six months ago, the Colorado community of Windsor suffered tragedy in the form of a devastating tornado that practically laid the small town to waste. Despite that fact, many of the band members boarded a bus a week later and headed to band camp even though most of them had just lost their family homes. The Windsor High School Marching Band would go on to win the 2008 Colorado Bandmasters Class 3A State Championship held at Hinkley High School in Aurora in October.
The 85-member band will be officially notified by the Inauguration Planning committee later today and was one of several entrants from a pool of applications from all over the country to be selected to take part in the inaugural parade.
November 13, 2008
Armed Forces Inaugural Committee
Attn: Parade Division Band Control, Room 2624
330 C Street SW
Washington, D.C. 20201-2247
Re: Windsor High School Marching Band
Dear Parade Division:
I am writing this letter in support of the Windsor High School (WHS) Marching Band of Windsor,
Colorado to represent the state of Colorado in the 2009 Inaugural Parade.
The WHS Marching band is a talented group of young Americans with an accomplished resume. WHS has won many regional and
state awards, including "Top Musical Performance," Top General Effect award," and a State Marching
Band Championship award in 2008.
Beyond their exemplary array of talent, the Windsor High School Marching Band illuminates a special
story of dedication, courage and optimism.
The Colorado community of Windsor suffered tragedy May 22, 2008, in the form of a devastating tornado. The small town was practically laid to waste from the natural disaster that struck that day. Despite the fact that many of the band students had lost their family homes, each and every band member boarded the bus for band camp the week following the tornado. As Windsor rallied and began to rebuild, the WHS marching band did too, all the while keeping up with band practice in rain, cold or shine.
The tenacity and enthusiasm of this group is as contagious as their music. Please choose the Windsor High School Marching Band for the honor of performing in President-elect Obama's Inaugural Parade.
Sincere Regards,
Bill Ritter, Jr.
Governor of Colorado
December 06, 2008
Windsor High School Marching Band
Windsor High School
1100 Main Street
Windsor, CO 80550
ATTN: Matt Drase & Melissa Claeys
Dear Mr. Matt Drase & Melissa Claeys,
Congratulations! We're pleased to inform you that your organization has been chosen to perform in the
56th Presidential Inaugural Parade. This Inaugural Parade will celebrate our common values and reflect
the diversity and history of our great nation.
We had a record number of applicants, so your selection is a testament to your organization's talent and
enthusiasm. Your participation will help make this Inauguration truly historic.
Enclosed you will find a packet of forms from the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee that must be filled
out and returned immediately. Please pay careful attention to return dates, especially for Secret Service
credentialing.
ALL SECRET SERVICE INFORMATION MUST BE RETURNED TO THE PROPER OFFICE
BY DECEMBER 19, 2008. COMPLETION OF THE CREDENTIALING PROCESS IS
MANDATORY FOR ALL PARADE PARTICIPANTS.
If you have any questions, please contact the Parade Division at 202-691-2247.
As a reminder, you are solely responsible for paying for your own travel and lodging. Please visit the
Destination DC Web site at http://www.washington.org/visiting/experience-dc/presidentialinauguration/
information, or for additional information visit www.pic2009.org.
Sincerely,
Peter Gage
Director, Inaugural Parade
Presidential Inaugural Committee
