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BUSY BEE BAND & HONEYBEES

1989 Presidential Inaugural Parade

Washington, D.C.

On January 20, 1989, the Busy Bee Band & Honeybees became the sole Representative from the State of West Virginia to welcome our 41st President of the United States, George H.W. Bush, to Washington, D.C. by performing in the 1989 American Bicentennial Presidential Inaugural Parade.  The theme for the parade was "Celebrating America's Spirit Together" and immediately followed the swear-in ceremony at the Capitol.

 

Three separate organizations are responsible for the modern inauguration. Various military groups provide logistical support and also have a role in the ceremony itself. The Presidential Inaugural Committee has final say on nearly every detail, down to the music played by the Army and Marine bands. The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies handles most events at the Capitol  The Busy Bee Band & Honeybees received official notification of acceptance on December 12, 1988.

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The application to be selected for the Presidential Inaugural Parade included several requirements, including a high-quality photo of the uniform that would be worn during the parade.  As seen to the left, the band chose to wear the Winter Blue uniform for the January Parade.

The band's patriotic selections for the parade was highlighted with "This is My Country" arranged for band by Dr. William C. Moffit, well known composer and arranger for band music, and retired Director of the famous Purdue University "All America Marching Band."

In addition to those requirements, the band received letters of support from Congressman Alan B. Mollohan, Senate Majority Leader Robert C. Byrd and Senator John D. Rockefeller IV.

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2001 Presidential Inaugural Parade

Washington, D.C.

On January 20, 2001, the Busy Bee Band & Honeybees helped welcome our 43rd President of the United States, George W. Bush, to Washington, D.C. by performing in the 54th Presidential Inaugural Parade.  The theme for the parade was "Celebrating America's Spirit Together" and immediately followed the swear-in ceremony at the Capitol.

 

Three separate organizations are responsible for the modern inauguration. Various military groups provide logistical support and also have a role in the ceremony itself. The Presidential Inaugural Committee has final say on nearly every detail, down to the music played by the Army and Marine bands. The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies handles most events at the Capitol.

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On the actual day of inauguration, people travel from across the country to view both the swearing-in and the inaugural parade. President Bush's Inaugural had almost 250,000 people in attendance and over 6,000 marchers in the parade. Hundreds of school groups, political junkies and marching bands spent months raising money to make the trip to Washington, DC to bear witness to the ascension of a new American president.

 

This marks the second appearance for the group at the Presidential Inaugural.  The band first performed at the Inauguration of the 41st President, George H. W. Bush in 1989.

 

While in Washington, the band also toured the National Air & Space Museum, performed at Tyson Corner Mall and was invited on an official tour of Air Force Two at Andrews Air Force Base. Each student was permitted a walk through of the Presidential jet before traveling back to Fairmont.

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