PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURAL COMMITTEE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Shin Inouye
December 15, 2008 (202) 203-1700

Presidential Inaugural Committee Invites AAPI Groups to Perform in 56th Inaugural Parade

Talent From Across America To March In Parade From Capitol To White House

WASHINGTON - Today, in keeping with its commitment to hold inaugural events that celebrate our common values and reflect the diversity and history of our great nation, President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden’s Inaugural Committee officially extended an offer to the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, the Wong People Kung-Fu Association, and the Punahou School Marching Band and JROTC Marching Unit to march in the 56th Inaugural Parade. Members of these Asian American and Pacific Islander groups will join representatives from across the country and our Armed Forces in the historic parade down Pennsylvania Avenue following President-elect Obama’s swearing-in ceremony on the steps of the Capitol.

“I am honored to invite these talented groups and individuals to participate in the Inaugural Parade,” said President-elect Obama. “These organizations embody the best of our nation’s history, diversity and commitment to service. Vice President-elect Biden and I are proud to have them join us in the parade.”

Organizations wishing to participate in the parade submitted an application to the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee (AFIC), which then assisted the Presidential Inaugural Committee in reviewing all of the groups’ applications. All told, 1,382 organizations applied to participate, setting a new standard for interest in marching in the parade.

The Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (CCBA) is committed to improving the socioeconomic conditions of Chinese Americans living in the United States, by providing community and educational services and promoting Chinese traditions and cultural heritage. The Wong People Kung-Fu Association will perform the traditional southern Chinese Lion Dance. The Punahou School Marching Band is from President-elect Obama’s high school alma mater, and their JROTC program is the oldest JROTC program in the state of Hawaii.

The Presidential Inaugural Committee was assisted in its selection process by a group of experienced military musicians, who utilized their expertise to help assess the presentation skills of marching bands, musical acts and drill teams.

All participants in the Inaugural Parade are responsible for paying for their own lodging and transportation to and from Washington, D.C. The Committee has been working closely with area governments and civic organizations to facilitate access to affordable accommodations and would like to encourage citizens from across the country to reach out and help the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, the Wong People Kung-Fu Association and the Punahou School Marching Band and the Punahou School JROTC Marching Unit raise the necessary resources to participate in this historic event.

If you are interested in finding out more about supporting the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association and the Wong People Kung-Fu Association and their participation in the 56th Inaugural Parade, please contact Yeni Wong at yeni@riverdaleinternational.com. For information about supporting the Punahou School Marching Band and JROTC Marching Unit, please contact Carlyn Tani at 808-944-5722 or ctani@punahou.edu.

Regularly updated information will be provided to the public and the media on our website, http://www.pic2009.org.

###