The Warsaw Bicentennial Parade is Set For June 30th

The Warsaw Bicentennial parade being held on June 30^th at 11:00am in Warsaw will feature several special entries. None more special then the 399^th Army Band from Fort Leonard Wood Missouri. “We are honored to be able to present the 399^th in our Bicentennial Parade” said Joe Clarke, Bicentennial Chairman. “When our group started putting together a list of “dream” entrants for the parade, a  military marching band was at the top of my list. It seemed like a long shot”. Budget cutbacks have severely limited the number of long distance engagements by military bands. However, Clarke was persistent. "I started making calls and sending emails. I received a big favor from a friend in the Army who got me in touch with the right person and I realized it might just be doable...after talking with the command element from the band several times over a few months, I realized that it was actually going to happen. I'm so happy for our town and for our military heroes to be able to experience this. We appreciate the willingness of the Band to travel such a great distance to support our parade, they couldn't have been more cordial."

The 399^th Army Band is a decorated unit and one of the few remaining military bands that is able to support special events like the Warsaw Bicentennial Parade.

This 41 member Band has had 55 years of continuous service at Fort Leonard Wood. It was first activated 65 years ago in June 1944 and has entertained troops, organizations and public service entities around the world since that time.

A fantastic band that not only plays as one large group but provides smaller groups such as a Rock Band, Salsa Band, Jazz Combo, Dixieland, and Brass Quintet as well as numerous soloists. They travel throughout Missouri and the Midwest with their main focus to promote readiness by performing music that enhances troop morale and pleasing an audience. Their music and performance is World Class.

The Bicentennial Parade will begin promptly at 11:00am on Saturday, June 30th. Please arrive early as heavy crowds are expected. Portable bleachers will be available and guests are also encouraged to bring lawnchairs. Maps of the parade route will be available online at www.warsawillinois2012.org or request by email: warsawcc@gmail.com