The Cody High School Bronc Marching Band is taking advantage of once-in-a-lifetime honor and will be bringing their talents to Hawaii next March.
The marching band was invited to represent the Cowboy State in the Vietnam Veterans National Parade in Honolulu.
Allison Willis, a freshman in the marching band color guard, plans to perform in honor of her grandfather, Harvey Willis, who served in the Vietnam War. He passed away shortly before his birthday on July 26, 2022 at the age of 72, according to the Powell Tribune.
The Bronc band will not only have the distinction of proudly representing their state by marching in the parade, but they will play a key role in the official public ceremony, performing as part of the mass band led by the Marine Forces Pacific Band.
The Vietnam Veterans Parade Committee selects one high school band from each state, which is a distinct honor, but it also comes with a monumental cost as well.
To take care of expenses and take as many kids as they can, a new booster club has been set up to assist in getting people to donate. The goal is to raise $200,000 in order to send the kids to Hawaii.
An account at First Bank has been set up for the booster club.
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon commented on the great distinction and the selection of the Cody High School marching band, saying, “Your representation of Wyoming at such a memorable event is a great honor — a result of the dedication and commitment by members of the band, color guard and staff.”
A live webcast of the event can be viewed on March 29, beginning at 8:30 p.m. here.
