This post is about MY Memories from 64 years ago !
I had the privilege of playing in my award winning high school band.
In 1961 we were chosen through many competitions to march in President Kennedy's Inaugural Parade.
The day before the inauguration there was a monumental blizzard and the temperatures were much like what happened today for the celebration.
When we marched down Pennsylvania Avenue the temps. rose to 32F. That's very hard on instruments. Some of our drum skins cracked because they were frozen and our reeds on the wind instruments wanted to freeze too.
There were many delays and so when it was our time to step off and march it was later in the afternoon. They made us practically run instead of march because everything was running late. But we did it with our lungs bursting.
I have always kicked myself for being so proper and in such strict marching mode that I did not turn my head to see Pres. Kennedy as we passed his observation area. Others did. He actually stayed for the entire parade which was a very long time.
The first photo is our official photo in front of the capitol. I am in the 3rd row up Standing on the right last person. All that can be seen of me is my hat plume. Too short..
This photo is taken from the tv screen so its not too clear.
This is us running, and marching around the corner , with our lungs burning but so excited to be there.
We actually are in really good straight lines considering what we were asked to do.
Lots of practice makes perfect.
This is my memory post and I will not be commenting on anything that is happening today as far as our current inauguration is concerned. This is not a political post for or against....
Always be Grateful
Always be Kind
8 comments:
What a special time for you as you were a part of ushering in those years of Camelot.
For myself, I am absolutely THRILLED with the inauguration. But just like 4 years ago, I can understand that half the country want nothing to do with it. I was like that. So for me, today was long overdue. What an awesome day!
What a wonderful memory! Thank you for sharing it with us! I can only imagine how cold you must've been!! Wow! That took a lot of commitment to hang in there! Today is a very special day in the history of our country, regardless of political affiliation. I just told my hubby we may not be able to witness too many more of these, so I'm glad we made the effort to watch. I especially loved all the prayers before and after the ceremony, and Carrie Underwood was amazing in spite of all the technical difficulties! Grace under fire in many situations today. God is good. We are thankful people.
I wish you had turned to look at him! 😄💔
Wow! What an amazing memory!! And so good that you have the photos of it! Too bad you did not catch a glimpse of him, but you acted perfectly!
That is certainly a special memory.
wow that is an amazing memory and so good for you that you still have the photos. Wow so fun to read this.
I love that you shared this today. What a wonderful privilege for your band group to be selected to represent in the parade. I know this is a memory you will forever have. Love also that you had the photos. I've been watching the inauguration all day. Loved hearing Carrie Underwood sing and I thought she handled the situation so well in having to sing acappella. Beautiful ceremonies
We are watching the bands right now and I said to my husband what an honor it would be to play in it. It's so cool you got to do that!
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