(Washington, DC) — Sixth District Congressman and House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn today congratulates the Manning High School Golden Pride Marching Band on its selection to perform in the historic inaugural parade following President-elect Obama’s swearing in on January 26th, 2009.
“This is very exciting news for Ray Francis and his tremendous marching band,” Congressman Clyburn said. “I believe it is very fitting that a high school from the county that launched Brown v. Board of Education should perform in the parade celebrating the election of the first African American President.”
Congressman Clyburn wrote a letter of support for the band’s application to perform in the parade. In it he praised their extraordinary talent.
“The Golden Pride Marching Band of Manning High is indeed the pride of the South Carolina midlands. In a typical year, the band performs at four to five different field contests throughout the region, as well as several parades taking first place at practically each and every one,” Congressman Clyburn wrote.
President-elect Obama enjoyed the Golden Pride’s talent during the campaign when they performed for him at an event at the Clarendon Courthouse. He was so impressed that he invited the band to play at Williams-Brice Stadium when he appeared with Oprah Winfrey before a standing-room only crowd of 32,000.
“They obviously made an impact on President-elect Obama during the campaign, and I believe he is rewarding them by making them a part of his inaugural parade,” Congressman Clyburn concluded. “These 85 students have been given a great blessing to be a part of history, and I know they will represent the state of South Carolina well on this international stage.”
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