Pride Of Indy Band Members Participating In Inaugural Parade

There's been a lot of talk in the local media about Culver Military Academy's participation in Obama's inaugural parade next week, but another Indiana group has made the cut. Eleven members of the local Pride of Indy band will be marching in the parade with the LGBA band, a first for the group. Nuvo's Cary Shea writes:

Members from the Pride of Indy, Indiana's only GLBT band and color guard, will be heading to Washington, D.C., this week to make history.

President-elect Barack Obama announced that from the nearly 1,400 organizations that applied, the Lesbian and Gay Band Association was among the few chosen to be part of the Inaugural Parade next Tuesday.

"I am honored to invite these talented groups and individuals to participate in the Inaugural Parade," Obama said in a released statement. "These organizations embody the best of our nation's history, diversity and commitment to service. Vice President-elect Biden and I are proud to have them join us in the parade."

John Joanette, community liaison for the Pride of Indy, was impressed and grateful for the organization's inclusion in the parade.

"Out of the hundreds of groups asked to participate, they narrowed it down to a few dozen total, so this is very much an honor," he said . . .

Eleven local members will be heading to Washington to be part of the 177-member marching band and color guard. They include Laura Blake, Ray English, Adrian Hartsough, Dan Johnson, Eric Munsch, Joel Ray, Bryan Sirtosky, Lori Stone Sirtosky, Shelly Snider, Bob Stuper, and Travis Tester.