An overview of the Colts Inaugural Parade plans was released at their annual awards banquet on Saturday, November 29. All Colts members and alumni are invited to participate in the parade.

The Colts were one of several marching units from across the state that submitted a formal application to the AFIC in mid-November. Their selection brings great pride to an organization that has been providing outstanding musical performance and education since their founding in 1963.

From Iowa Governor Chet Culver's letter of endorsement, he writes, "In 2007, I was pleased to name the Colts as Iowa's Ambassadors of Music in recognition of their longstanding commitment to developing leadership in young people through challenging and highly demanding music programs."

Iowa Senator Pam Jochum called Greg Orwoll, Colts Executive Director, with congratulations and well wishes upon hearing the announcement. "Our inclusion in the Inaugural Parade is an incredible honor. We will be proud to represent the State of Iowa in this historic event," said Orwoll.

U.S. Congressman Bruce Braley, Iowa's First Congressional District Representative, wrote, "The Colts Drum & Bugle Corps would be a superb representative for our state. As one of the nation's premier drum and bugle corps, they exhibit an extraordinary degree of musicianship and perform at a spectacular level."

Letters of support were also submitted by U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley (IA), U.S. Rep. Leonard Boswell (IA), U.S. Rep. Steve King (IA), U.S. Rep. Tom Latham (IA), U.S. Rep. Don Manzullo (IL), former Governor Tom Vilsack (IA) and Iowa Speaker of the House Pat Murphy, along with the Iowa Dept. of Cultural Affairs, Dubuque Mayor Roy Buol, Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce, Dubuque Community Schools Superintendent, Community Foundation of Dubuque, and Dubuque Symphony Orchestra.

Thank you to all of the individuals who wrote letters of support and assisted with the application process. Special thanks to Colts Board Member Peter Hansen for the inspiration, concept, research, and time invested in creating this opportunity on our behalf.

To find out more about the Colts, download this Fact Sheet that was included with the Colts inaugural parade application packet.

Further details regarding participation, planning, donor support, and logistics of our trip to Washington, D.C., will be released Wednesday, December 10, on the Colts website.