Quantico band performs at NYC Columbus Day Parade

[thedrifter]

Quantico band performs at NYC Columbus Day Parade
Submitted by: New York Public Affairs
Story Identification Number: 20031014144328
Story by Gunnery Sgt. Tim McGough



NEW YORK(October 14, 2003) -- As the Quantico Band marched up 5th Avenue in New York City at the 59th Annual Columbus Day Parade, you could hear shouts from the crowd of Semper Fi, Ooh-rah and God Bless the Marine Corps.

"This is the second year that the Marine Corps has led the parade," said Alfred Catalanotto, parade chairman and member of the Columbus Citizen Foundation. "They are the best that America has to offer and we want only the best in the Columbus Day Parade."

The band held true to their reputation of being the best. "They looked so great," said Joany Carattini of New York City. "Everyone of them looked so shiny, they just flowed up the avenue."

The Marines from Quantico were happy to support the parade. "It is our musical mission and an honor to do any parade," said Staff Sgt. William D. Mike, drum major for the band. "But coming to New York to perform is exhilarating and always refreshing. The people in New York City are so patriotic."

Mike continued about the foundation's support of the band. "I can't say enough good things about our hosts." he said. "They went above and beyond hospitality the way they took care of us."

The Columbus Citizen Foundation has been taking care of more people than the Marines. This year they granted $2 million in educational scholarships, donated $1 million for a new high school near ground zero and gave $300,000 to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, which provides financial support to military families that have paid the ultimate price: the loss of a loved one in defense of America.

"We are a philanthropic organization and the members of the foundation through their family history know how hard it is to be a productive part of America without an education," said Catalanotto. "The goal of the foundation has always been to provide funding in the quest of enrichment. Granting educational scholarships and giving back to the less fortunate in our community will make better citizens and build a better tomorrow for America."

Giving back to the community and helping to build a better tomorrow for America is exactly what the Marines who led the 59th Annual Columbus Day Parade in New York City do for a living. So one could say that the foundation and the Corps are on the "same sheet of music."




Drum Major for the Quantico Band Staff Sgt. William D. Mike leads his Marines up 5th Ave., during the 59th Annual Columbus Day Parade in New York City.
Photo by: Gunnery Sgt. Tim McGough




Covering the Quantico Band's rear was the 1st Marine Corps District's Hummer, during the 59th Annnual Columbus Day PArade in New York City.
Photo by: Gunnery Sgt. Tim McGough



The Marine Band from Quantico strut their stuff, during the 2003 Columbus Day Parade in New York City. During their performance the crowd was shouting praise for the band all the way through mid-town Manhattan.
Photo by: Gunnery Sgt. Tim McGough


http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn20...B?opendocument


Sempers,

Roger

[hooah]

Thanks for the post.

Its so nice to see something good and something we can all be proud of happen in NYC.

Too bad i missed the parade...damn!