Robert C. Byrd High School Band Performs at John Philip Sousa Memorial After Fourth of July Parade Cancellation

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Although the National Independence Day Parade was canceled because of extreme heat, the Robert C. Byrd High School Band still had the opportunity to represent Harrison County and West Virginia during its visit to the nation's capital as part of the nation's 250th Independence Day celebration.

The band had traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in the annual Fourth of July parade before organizers canceled the event because of dangerous heat conditions.

Instead, the Historic Congressional Cemetery welcomed the RCB musicians for a special performance at the John Philip Sousa Memorial. According to the band, students placed a wreath at the gravesite of John Philip Sousa and performed marches during the visit.

Although the parade did not take place, the alternative performance allowed the students to take part in the Independence Day observance while visiting Washington, D.C., during the country's 250th birthday celebration. The trip continued to provide students with the opportunity to represent their school, Harrison County, and West Virginia on the national stage despite the change in plans.