Jan 11, 2009 11:31 pm US/Eastern
Air Force Band Ready To Play At Inauguration
WASHINGTON (WJZ) ―
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The military will be in full force when the president-elect is sworn into office, but not the way you may think.
The military will be in full force when the president-elect is sworn into office, but not the way you may think. The United States Air Force Band is at the ready and rehearsing for the 56th Presidential Inauguration.
Tim Williams has more on the group's historic legacy.
They will arrive at the site drilled, armed, rehearsed and ready to play. There are nearly 100 marching airmen and women from the United States Air Force Band, district of Washington.
"We're exercising here at Andrews Air Force Base with our folks to, if you will, put them through their paces," said Col. Dennis Layendecker.
Since its formation in September 1941, the Air Force Band has marched in 15 inaugural parades. It will play among the 1.5-mile inaugural parade route.
Layendecker says practicing in the elements at Andrews Air Force Base is part of his troops being prepared for duty.
"As miserable as the weather might be, it's a good opportunity to prepare our folks for how they'll be expected to play on the day of the inaugural," he said.
It's a time honored tradition that will go on, rain or shine, as it has since George Washington's first in 1789.
"Well, we would hope to continue long into the future. It is a great privilege to be part and it is one of the most exciting events one can participate in in one's military career," Layendecker said.
There was no parade in 1945. The 1985 parade was canceled due to weather.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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