LEWISBURG W.Va. (WVDN) – This year marks the 84th anniversary of the horrific attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. It is a time-honored tradition to remember the fallen who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting America and its citizens with heartfelt ceremonies, honoring veterans and a grand parade in Honolulu, Hawaii. In an incredible announcement, it was revealed that the Greenbrier East High School Marching Band has been chosen as the official ambassadors to represent West Virginia at the 2025 Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade and 81st Anniversary of World War II commemoration!
Representing the Mountain State, the USS West Virginia was sunk in shallow waters defending the nation, and mess attendant First Class Doris “Dorie” Miller, courageously left his duties in the mess hall to save countless lives on that fateful day. Dorie Miller was the first African American to receive the Navy Cross. Here in Greenbrier County, citizens honor Doris Miller with a park dedicated to his heroic acts, assisting in life-saving measures not only for the captain of the ship, Mervyn Bennion (who ultimately succumbed to his wounds from shrapnel) but countless other lives on board.
The Greenbrier East High School Band has achieved greatness for a young group who works tirelessly sometimes seven days per week, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and more. Band Director Jim Allder and his marching band have accumulated accolades, countless awards and recognition nationwide for their incredible talents and capabilities. Conceived in the summer and fall of 1968, the Spartan Band Program was the product of combining programs from Alderson, Frankford, Greenbrier (Ronceverte), Lewisburg, Renick, White Sulphur Springs, and Williamsburg high schools. Over the past four decades, the band at GEHS has had many honors including performances at college bowl games, NFL football games, the 1993 Presidential Inaugural Parade, the 60th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor and the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C. Spartan Concert Bands have consistently received Superior and Excellent ratings, and the Spartan Marching Band has been competitive in both the Bands of America and Tournament of Band Circuits. In addition to all the work these fine youngsters have done, they are also the faces many will see parking cars at the State Fair of West Virginia year after year.
Recently, members of the press and the public were invited to join director Jim Allder, treasurer Melissa Tetreault, Treasurer No. 2 and Chair of Grants and Finance Amanda Butler and GEHS Principal David Vincent in the official announcement of the invitation. Allder read a letter from Earl Turrey, director of the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade Committee, which sparked pride in every cell of attendees. The letter reads:
“Dear Jim,
“2025 will mark the 84th anniversary of the day that will live in infamy, the attack on Pearl Harbor and the 81st anniversary of the end of World War II. Perhaps unlike any moment in our modern history, Americans felt the Call of Duty to help preserve the freedoms we enjoy in this great country. The sacrifices that were made by so many should be cherished, honored, and never forgotten. Congratulations! The Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade Committee wants to take this opportunity to congratulate The Greenbrier East High School Spartan Marching Band for being invited as the official ambassadors from West Virginia to the 2025 Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade and 81st anniversary of the World War II Commemoration. This invitation is based, in no small part, on your contest performances, the personal recommendation of your professional colleagues, and your reputation as a successful marching band in your community and state. The Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade is fortunate to have the support from both the state of Hawaii and the city of Honolulu. We are also proud to be associated with our partners including the Pearl Harbor Memorial Fund, The American Veteran Center, Pacific Historic Parks, The Battleship Missouri, Pearl Harbor, the Navy League, The Military Order of the Purple Heart, and the History Channel. On behalf of the Pearl Harbor parade committee, we congratulate you and look forward to having the Greenbrier East High School Marching Band join us in our Island state in 2025. Your participation will do much to demonstrate your support for America’s veterans as you represent the state of West Virginia and the legacy of the USS West Virginia.”
Fundraising has officially begun, and local businesses and organizations are encouraged to help spread the word. Their goal is $250,000 which will cover flights for 80 people including band boosters and staff, as well as food, accommodations and more. They have already received a generous donation from an anonymous donor in the amount of $90,000. Not only is this an incredible opportunity to represent Greenbrier County, but this is also an opportunity to represent the entire state of West Virginia.
You too can donate by any of the following:
Mail donations to:
P.O. Box 1336, Lewisburg, WV 24901
Links to donate:
GoFundMe:
CashApp: $gehsbandboosters
PayPal: GEHSMusicBoosters
Venmo: gehsbandboosters
When mailing or sending donations through any of these applications, please, indicate that your donation is specifically for Hawaii. The band gets donations for a number of reasons so this helps clear up any confusion.
You can also follow their Facebook page for updates, news and information at GEHS Spartan Band. There you will find convenient QR codes to scan for ease of access and donation.
