Bedford, Virginia
Firemen's Band
Est. 1925
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"Happy Days Are Here Again" |
Page Two
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Upon the inauguration of Franklin D. Roosevelt as President of the United States, the Band accompanied by Governor Pollard, led the Virginia Division in the inaugural parade. Quoting The Roanoke Times under date of March 4, 1933:
The Bedford Firemen's Band scored a big hit with the vast crowds that lined Pennsylvania Avenue today while the Roosevelt inaugural procession of 18,000 marching units passed from the Capitol to the White House . . . . there was only one band which had 24 young women reinforcing 46 male musicians and which in addition presented a men's chorus of 40 voices. In the miles of marching there was not a neater, trimmer body than the boys and girls from Bedford; none whose uniforms of blue and white were more attractive, but the crowds liked most the male chorus singing through little white megaphones the cheerful refrain "Happy Days are Here Again" while the Band played the air. The crowd cheered enthusiastically and occupants of some of the spectator stands joined loudly in the singing. The crowd figuratively fell into step with the playing, singing, smart-appearing body up from the foothills of the Virginia Blue Ridge.