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The Ohio State University Marching Band and the Cleveland Firefighters Memorial Pipes and Drums have gotten more attention, but five members from another band with Northeast Ohio roots will play in President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration parade, too.They're from the Blazing River Freedom Band, part of the larger Lesbian and Gay Band Association.The Lesbian and Gay Band Association is made up of concert and marching bands from cities across the country.This will be the first inaugural parade with an openly lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender group.The Lesbian and Gay Band Association played for President Clinton's two inaugurations, but only as sideline, pre-parade entertainment.Inaugural committee spokeswoman Chris Mather said this year's committee, which screened 1,382 groups, picked bands and events to reflect "our common values" and the history of the country."I am honored to invite these talented groups and individuals to participate in the Inaugural Parade," Obama said in a statement earlier this month. "These organizations embody the best of our nation's history, diversity and commitment to service."Inclusion of the Lesbian and Gay Band Association coincides with California's recent passage of a ballot initiative, Proposition 8, that defined marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Tom Casarona, president of the Blazing River band, said he did not know if Obama and the inaugural committee were trying to make a political statement about inclusion when they invited a lesbian and gay band."We can be hopeful," said Casarona, who plays trombine and French horn, "and maybe it's a sign of things to come.Casarona was a drum major at Garfield Heights High School in 1995-'96.He said that other Ohio groups sending members to the parade are the Queen City Rainbow Band and Color Guard, of Cincinnati, and the Capital Pride Band of Columbus.The lesbian and gay band movement started in 1978, Casarona said, when there was a pride parade and someone noticed that it lacked a marching band. "What's a parade," Casarona asks, "without a marching band?"The Blazing River Freedom Band has participated in parades in Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, Indianapolis, New York and Chicago. Members recently performed in the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade with the larger band that will march in Washington on Jan. 20.
PS:Here he is BHO--president elect and "CHRISTIAN"cheering the gay community...Our nation keeps sliding down to hell...May God have mercy...!!!!
As in the days of Noah....
