Monday, October 14, 2013

Shutdown silences West Point Marching Band


New York’s Columbus Day parade will head up Fifth Avenue today without its lead musicians as the government shutdown forced the West Point Marching Band off the street.


The historic band, made up of active-duty soldiers, had been slated to lead the city’s 69th annual Italian-American heritage parade but found out Friday that it wouldn’t be allowed.


“It is very regrettable that for reasons unrelated to their professionalism and commitment to our country that they are unable to perform on Fifth Avenue this Columbus Day,” said Frank Fusaro, president of the Columbus Citizens Foundation, which organizes the annual Manhattan parade.


West Point’s appearance was going to be underwritten entirely by the citizen’s foundation — which months prior to the government shutdown had agreed to pay for all costs, including transportation, tolls, and meals, Fusaro said in a statement.


“The cancellation of the West Point Marching Band in the 69th annual Columbus Day Parade, which we learned about officially only on Friday, October 11, three days before the parade, was every bit as regrettable for the Band as it was for us,” Fusaro said.


“The Band is made up of active-duty soldiers who are also virtuosos from across the United States. Historically, and for over two centuries, the Band’s members have been ambassadors of our country.”


The West Pointers will be replaced by the Ohio North University Marching Band.


The West Point band, which is part of the US Military Academy Band, posted the news on its Facebook page over the weekend, noting: “Unfortunately, due to the government shutdown, we will not be appearing in the Columbus Day Parade on Monday. Keep an eye out for us next year.”


The parade steps off today at 11:30 am and runs up Fifth Avenue from 47th Street to 72nd Street.





Yahoo Local News – New York Post




http://newyork.greatlocalnews.info/?p=15659

via Great Local News: New York http://newyork.greatlocalnews.info

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