The year 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam war. Veterans will mark the anniversary with a National Vietnam Veterans Parade along the famed Waikiki beach in Hawaii on the island of Oahu. The Texan Band of Wimberley High School has been selected to represent the state of Texas in the parade.
“I couldn’t be more proud that our band was recognized in this way for this once in a lifetime opportunity,” said WHS Band Director John Winebrenner.
The ceremony will begin the evening of March 29 with marching bands, veterans groups, military units and community groups from Hawaii and the mainland participating in the parade. The parade route will begin at historic Fort DeRussy, along the iconic King Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki, and on to Kapiolani Park at the foot of the Diamond Head Crater.
In addition to the parade, the WHS band will perform on Easter, March 31, on the deck of the USS Missouri where Japan surrendered during WW2. As part of the trip, students will also visit Pearl Harbor and enjoy a Polynesian cultural event and luau.
Seventy two band members will leave Austin on March 28 and return April 1. Fundraising for the event is underway, with support from the Wimberley Veterans of Foreign Wars who have pledged money and support.
“The cost of the trip is $120,000, so we have a long way to go,” said Winebrenner. “Since we are representing the state of Texas, we have appealed to other VFW organizations.”
One of many fundraisers planned, a Veterans Day luau at the Wimberley VFW, called Red, White & Luau, will take place on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. To find out more, go to the Wimberley Texan Band Boosters Facebook page, or visit wimberleyband. boosterhub. com, or email spiritoftexasbandboost-ers@ gmail.com.
