Leetonia and the other two bands will perform an arrangement of the National Anthem on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, before playing “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” solo on the same steps and marching to the WWII memorial as part of the reunited combined band to play “God Bless America as part of the commemoration.

According to Randy Rodik, district band director, they also will participate in the parade and one of their students, senior Ella Harris, was selected to play Taps. Later in the afternoon, the Leetonia band, with 40 of its 46 members, will perform “Love/Flight” as well a Battle Hymn repeat at the Iwo Jima Memorial by themselves.

“This performance is a first for the Leetonia High School band and program and being asked to perform at this event is truly an honor. Being able to represent Leetonia, this area and Ohio overall is something that we haven’t taken lightly,” explained Rodik. “Our veterans have sacrificed a great deal for all of us to have many freedoms and just ‘things’ in general. Reminding and teaching our students of that sacrifice is important.”

In attendance for the band’s concert Friday afternoon at the Washingtonville Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5532 along with numerous board members and retired teachers, Leetonia Schools Superintendent Tony DelBoccio agreed it is indeed a great honor. “Our students and staff embody the spirit of service and dedication that we honor on Veterans Day. It’s a tremendous honor for them to represent our community and show their appreciation for veterans at the national level.”

The Leetonia Exempted School District’s youngest students also shared their appreciation with members of the Washingtonville Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5532 with these little thank you notes that were observed lying on their counter Friday. The Leetonia High School band performed a concert at the post later that afternoon before they were set to leave today morning to participate in a weekend of national Veterans’ Day activities in Washington D.C. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi

Earlier Friday, the band had performed at the high school’s annual Veterans Day Assembly, so members had a full day plus preparing for Saturday’s 6 a.m. departure for D.C. Once they arrive after a five-hour bus trip, band members will get a cruise dinner down the Potomac River on Monday, after all their performance.

How did Historic Productions find out about Leetonia High School band? Rodik knows that Leetonia was on the promoter’s recommendated school list but didn’t comment more than that. However, senior trombonist Jackson Himes thought he may have a little more insight.

As his bandmates were packing the gear into the vehicles, Himes explained that although Rodik prefers parents don’t post videos of them on social media, someone apparently had shared it with Historic Productions. The company selected Leetonia High School and two other bands for this year’s Veterans Day performers based on that video.

Both Himes and his senior colleague on trumpet, Makaylah Brotherton, are very excited to complete their band experience on such a high note especially after sticking with it since they were in fifth grade.

According to Rodik, the itinerary includes trips to the National Archives, museums (like the Holocaust), a night tour of the monuments all lit up and a tour of the Capitol to wrap up their trip. While Brotherton is looking forward to the Holocaust Museum, Himes hopes the Smithsonian is on their list to visit, too.

Leetonia High School band sophomore drum majors Lillian Kornbau and Starr Neel lead the band through the Superman theme during a performance Friday afternoon at the Washingtonville Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5532. The song, which is one of their halftime show favorites, was a special request from the post. As post secretary-treasurer Jim Dickens, who acted as master of the ceremonies, explained, “Not all heroes were capes.” This was the band’s last gig before they depart today morning to participate in a weekend of national Veterans’ Day activities in Washington D.C. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)

Rodik is appreciative of the unique opportunity for his young charges, which was made possible due to contributions from the VFW, American Legion, their auxiliaries and community members.

“Musically, this is an event that few kids will ever have an opportunity to experience, and the members of this band have worked very hard to create memorable musical moments for years now,” he concluded.” I’m just hoping this trip is impactful for them.”

The Leetonia High School performed some of their favorites during an one-hour performance Friday afternoon at the Washingtonville Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5532 before leaving today for a weekend trip to play in the national Veterans Day services. The band’s trumpet players include eighth-grader Laniya Dubose (front, clockwise), freshmen Logan Simms, Caleb Drohn, Graydon Henderson and Vincent Ankron. Percussionists include freshman Jacob Bryan, senior Elliot Hammon, freshman Aiden Hunter and sophomore Devon Randolph. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)

Leetonia High School band director Randy Rodik (right) conducts members as they perform Friday afternoon at the Washingtonville Veterans of Foreign Wars’ Post 5532 before departing the next morning for Washington D.C., where they were selected to b one of three bands performing at the national Veterans Day service. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)

Leetonia High School band director Randy Rodik (left) and master of ceremonies Jim Dickens (standing, right) of the Washingtonville Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5532 snap quick group shots of the band before they perform Friday afternoon at the VFW headquarters for a Veterans Day concert. The band departs today morning for Washington D.C.,where Leetonia was selected to be one of three bands performing at the national Veterans Day service. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)