Parting Notes

by Paula Palmer
(Victoria, Texas, USA)

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Took a cruise this year and stopped in Mobay.

Had a great day and as we boarded the ship these young children played for us. Several had bags and were collecting donations.

They were fantastic. It was a hot day and they played in full uniform for hours. People were at the ship railing throwing down coins and bills.

One drunk guy started marching with them making a fool of himself and disrespecting the band. But the kids just ignored him and continued to be professional and did not miss a beat.

After we boarded it was hard to find a spot at the railing to watch them. One young man who was collecting donations was really rocking out. I took a movie of him...he was great. See the tiny guy in the band? He kept up the others just fine!

Then they stopped playing and marched into formation facing the ship. All was quiet. Then, very slowly, they started playing the Star Spangled Banner.

You could have heard a pin drop. I have boarded quite a few stops and I will say that I have never witnessed such a great send off.

If I win.....you can send the prize to the kids if you know what school they represent.