Cabot band makes parade appearance

WASHINGTON — The Cabot High School Band marched in the National Independence Day Parade on Wednesday, performing patriotic numbers for the crowds lining Constitution Avenue.

They’re scheduled to arrive home today.

It’s the fifth time the school has participated in the event. Band director Rusty Hart said 175 students made the journey.

“It was extremely hot the day of the parade. The heat index was over 100 [degrees Fahrenheit],” he said.

In a typical year, between 200,000 and 300,000 spectators line the mile-long route, according to Luke Wiscombe, national marketing director for Diversified Events, the parade’s producer.

“The parade is one of the largest in America to celebrate the nation’s birthday,” he said.

In addition to playing “America” and “God Bless America,” the Cabot musicians also paused to honor the nation’s fallen servicemen and women, laying a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery, Hart said.

There was also time to enjoy the July 4 fireworks display on the National Mall and to visit most of the major tourist sites.

“We have seen basically every monument or government building in D.C. that you’re going to want to see,” Hart.

The band plans to return to Washington for the 2021 Independence Day Parade, he added.