Jan 7, 2009 5:42 pm US/Central
Chicago Students Prep For Inaugural Parade
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
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The Whitney Young Junior ROTC practices for the January 20th inaugural parade in Washington D.C.
CBS
Some lucky Chicago area students are heading to the nation's capitol. They'll not only witness the inauguration, but as CBS 2's Dorothy Tucker reports, they're actually taking part in it!
The Whitney Young Junior ROTC is practicing for what is sure to be one of the most memorable events of their lives.
On January 20, they'll march in the inaugural parade. Because of their ROTC status they will be the first students in the world to salute the nation's first African-American president.
"We're giving a salute to the most powerful man on the earth who represents our country, represents freedom to the world, and it's just amazing," said Whitney Young student Xsabian Ortiz.
"You're gonna be walking, and you're gonna see the first African-American president and you can say you were there marching for him, you were there when he became the first one to do this," said Whitney Young student Mario Viramontes. "It's just indescribable."
"Just being able to see the president, that's kinda cool, we're really excited," said Whitney Young student Daniela Castillo. "It's cool that Michelle Obama graduated from here in, I believe, 1981. It's like we're there representing her, it's pretty cool."
The students at Whitney Young aren't the only ones in the Chicago area taking part in the inaugural parade. There are actually two other groups.
The Jesse White Tumblers also have the honor of participating in the parade. This is the third time the group has been invited to the event. Past members attended both of the inaugural parades for the Clintons. But it's the first time for these members.
"It's a dream come true," said Jesse White tumbler Floyd English. "When I found out we were going to the inauguration, I mean, I got my calendar, wrote down the day we were leaving, and every day I wake up, I just mark down the day."
The Sandburg High School marching band in Orland Park is the third group chosen from our area. Like the others, students are proud to have been chosen to be a part of such an historic day.
So how did the groups from the Chicago area get so lucky? The Presidential Inaugural Committee makes the decision and it's based on student's essays, references and DVDs showing their performances.
As you might imagine, it's a huge expense to get the students to D.C. Both the Jesse White Tumblers and the Sandburg band are still raising money for the trip.
If you're interested in donating, visitÂ
http://sandburgmusic.org/index.html and
http://www.jessewhitetumblingteam.com/
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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