Jan. 14--When Capt. Jeff Jenson marches by President Barack Obama while playing a tune on his bagpipes on Inauguration Day, he's hopeful it won't be so cold outside that his lips fail to cooperate.
He also hopes the president won't be seated so far from the beginning of the 1.5 mile route that he'll be exhausted by the time he gets there.
Jenson, president of Lewiston Firefighters Pipes and Drums, is one of the four members who will be playing in the Inauguration Day Parade at 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time Jan. 21. Capt. Soren Lowe, Nick Stevens and John Thompson will also be attending. Those four will join 16 others who were invited from Coeur d'Alene, Boise and Meridian pipes and drums bands to perform at the parade.
"The first thought that popped in my head was, 'Well, you can't say no,' " Stevens said. "For me, it'll never happen again."
Stevens said they had no idea they would be invited until Jan. 4, and they're set to leave on Friday. They were also required to turn over all security information to the Secret Service within two days.
"It's kind of overwhelming, but cool in the same way," Stevens said.
The Lewiston group formed about five years ago, and none of them knew how to play when they started. Now they practice every week and play at local parades and events in Lewiston and around the state. Jenson said they have performed at state political conventions, as well.
Despite the short notice, Jenson said they are all excited to go.
"Besides a personal honor to do it, I think it's a real honor for the band to represent Lewiston, the firefighters and Idaho," Jenson said.
Because the pipes and drums group isn't affiliated with the fire department, all four are on their own for financing the trip. Jenson said airfare for each person is about $950, plus lodging, meals and transportation.
Those hefty price tags have prompted them to set up an account at Potlatch No. 1 Federal Credit Union for anyone who wishes to donate funding for the trip. They will also be reaching out to businesses and organizations in the community who might be able to help. Donations will also be accepted at the fire department.
"Even if someone calls the fire department and wants us to pick it up, we can do that too," Jenson said.
Stevens said he has been to Washington, D.C., once for one evening, but didn't get to see many of the historical sites because everything was closed for the day. Jenson has never been, and even though they have two-a-day practices scheduled and tight security, both are hopeful they will have a little free time.
"It would be nice if we could spend a little time with D.C. Fire," Jenson said. "Whether or not there will be time for that, I don't know."
Both expressed nervousness about the performance, particularly with so many unknowns about the parade route and what the weather will be like.
"We try to hold ourselves to a high standard, and you know, we'll be playing for the president," Jenson said. "I still can't believe it."
Lewiston Fire Department is located at 1245 Idaho St. They can be reached at (208) 743-8820.
Other inaugural attendees
Richard Hayward, a former police officer, is also hoping donations can help him get to D.C.
Wes Clizer, who is friends with Hayward, said Hayward quit his job after he was diagnosed with throat cancer. During his treatments, Hayward's daughter managed to get President Obama to write a personal letter to him. That letter and his daughter's efforts, Clizer said, helped him beat the disease.
After hearing the story, Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, sent an invitation to one of the inaugural balls.
"He's put together enough money to buy his air tickets, I believe," Clizer said. "... He figures he'll need (another) $1,500."
Anyone who wishes to donate to Hayward can visit the Clarkston branch of US Bank. Clizer is the administrator of the account, and said it will be open until the inauguration is over.
Members of the Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee will also be traveling for the event and for meetings with administration officials. Vice Chairman Brooklyn D. Baptiste, Treasurer Joel T. Moffett and member Roberta Bisbee will attend.
Moseley may be contacted at [email protected] or (208) 848-2270.
Copyright 2013 - Lewiston Tribune, Idaho
