LETTERS: BAND MEMBER IS PROUD OF FESTIVAL TRADITION

To the editor:

I am a member of the Jackson High School Marching Chiefs and have been for three years. Just recently we held the 55th annual band festival at Jackson, complete with parade and performances.

I am happy to say that all band festivals I have participated in have been most enjoyable. It gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling to see 20-plus bands lining up to parade through town and to see the immense crowd six and eight deep lining the streets.

I hope everyone realizes and appreciates the pride in this wonderful tradition that has survived for so many years. Living in this "poor" society that we do today, it is comforting to see something like this band festival stay alive.

I would like to personally thank all who make this day possible and also encourage them to keep this part of Jackson's history for another 55 years. I wish that everyone who reads this would remember that tradition is what keeps a country and community together, and it also helps us to look toward the future with some idea of where we are headed.

MATT PALISCH

Jackson