The Bridgewater-Raritan High School (BRHS) Marching Band took part in the John Basilone Memorial Parade in Raritan on September 22. The band volunteered by marching in the parade and playing “Service Songs” arranged by Jerry Burns.
The parade was centered around John Basilone, an army member who was raised in Raritan. He fought in World War II, being awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroics and bravery in battle. However, he was killed on February 19, 1945, while fighting for the United States of America. The Borough of Raritan honors him every year with this parade.
The logistics of the parade were complicated; essentially, the band would form a block with front ensemble members in front holding flags and with the drumline in the back playing hand held instruments, color guard behind the front and the winds behind the color guard. The drumline, again, was at the back.
Apart from playing “Service Songs,” the BRHS Drumline also played a variety of drum cadences that are known to be played throughout the marching band season. Some of them included “USSBA” and “BR Cadence”. These are played during football games, as well as parades, by the drumline and are songs that only the drumline plays.
For the band members, they had to march non-stop for about 30 minutes while playing “Service Songs” about ten times. It was sunny and hot, but the marching band members persevered in respect towards John Basilone and in the volunteering they were doing that day.
Senior flute player Venba Chandrababu gave her thoughts on the parade.
“I felt a sense of pride and joy being able to honor such a decorated hero such as John Basilone. I was so happy to get so positive feedback from those watching us and cheering us on. Although the parade can be tiring, it makes it all worth it to be be able to participate in an event with such a strong community and receive so much support,” she said.
This was the only parade that the BRHS Marching Band will participate in during the season. Looking ahead, the next parade they will take part in will be on Memorial Day in 2025, long after the marching band season is over.
