Pride of the Park takes NYC for an Outstanding Performance in the Veteran’s Day Parade

The Spain Park High School band hit the Big Apple Nov. 11 for a chance to perform in the New York City Veteran’s Day Parade, the country’s largest event honoring America’s Veterans. “The Pride of the Park” started their big trip the Friday prior to Veteran’s Day, traveling more than 20 hours on a bus from Birmingham to New York City.  

“We came all the way from Alabama to march and play to honor our veterans who have served for us so that we may have our freedom,” said Pride of the Park tuba player, Caleb Gosnell. “That’s pretty significant. That’s respect.” 

This year’s theme for the NYC Veteran’s Day Parade was Land of the Free/Home of the Brave. It celebrated the 200th anniversary of the writing of the Star Spangled Banner. Spain Park High School’s band and color guard connected with this theme by playing patriotic tunes. 

Despite the long journey, band members still arrived in NYC with great energy and eagerness to explore the vast city. From the Statue of Liberty to Broadway, the students were able to see it all and do it all before performing in Time Square with other bands from across the nation.

The parade itself took place in Manhattan along 5th Avenue. This annual parade boasts approximately 600,000 spectators and broadcasts to nine of the top television markets in America.

To see the Pride of the Park’s performance, visit youtube.com/watch?v=WVr1YLveJy4.