Honolulu, Hawaii - U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii) applauded the selection today of Punahou School to march in the Presidential Inaugural Parade for Barack Obama on January 20 in Washington, D.C.  Senator Akaka wrote a letter to the Armed Services Inaugural Committee supporting the JROTC application on November 14.  

"What an amazing opportunity.  The inauguration and parade are certain to be experiences these students will never forget.  I applaud the faculty involved in submitting this successful application: you have provided your students with an once-in-a-lifetime experience.  I know they will make Hawaii proud as they march down Pennsylvania Avenue to Barack Obama's new home, The White House.  Obama has proven that anyone, regardless of ethnicity, from even the most humble beginnings can grow up to be President.  He has inspired Americans across the country and I know he will inspire these students as well.  Who knows, maybe one of them will grow up to be the second President from Hawaii," Senator Akaka said. 

The Presidential Inauguration Committee today approved the applications of Punahou's JROTC and marching band.  The JROTC application includes 22 JROTC cadets, six cheerleaders and two advisors.  The marching band consists of about 145 students that will be accompanied by chaperones.

More information is available in the press release from the Presidential Inaugural Committee copied below:

PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURAL COMMITTE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 5, 2008                    

Presidential Inaugural Committee Invites Punahou School Marching Band and JROTC Marching Unit to Perform in 56th Inaugural Parade

WASHINGTON - Today, in keeping with its commitment to hold inaugural events that celebrate our common values and reflects the diversity and history of our great nation, President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden's Inaugural Committee officially extended an offer to the Punahou School Marching Band and JROTC Marching Unit to march in the 56th Inaugural Parade.

Members of the Punahou School Marching Band and JROTC Marching Unit will join representatives from across the country and our Armed Forces in the historic parade down Pennsylvania Avenue following President-elect Obama's swearing-in ceremony on the steps of the Capitol.

 "I am honored to invite these talented groups and individuals to participate in the Inaugural Parade," said President-elect Obama.  "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."

President-elect Obama attended Punahou School from 1971 to 1979. The Punahou School JROTC program is the oldest JROTC program in the State of Hawaii, earning Honor Unit or Honor Unit with Distinction status for 56 years.

Organizations wishing to participate in the parade submitted an application to the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee (AFIC), which then assisted the Presidential Inaugural Committee in reviewing all of the groups' applications.  All told, 1,382 organizations applied to participate, setting a new standard for interest in marching in the parade.

The Presidential Inaugural Committee was assisted in its selection process by a group of experienced military musicians, who utilized their expertise to help assess the presentation skills of marching bands, musical acts and drill teams.

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