The Cody High School Bronc Marching Band is headed to Hawaii next March after receiving an invitation to represent Wyoming in the Vietnam Veterans National Parade in Honolulu.

Hawaii and its historic Waikiki beach serve as a perfect host for the commemoration. For many Vietnam veterans, Hawaii was the last American soil they saw before their life was cut short in the war or the first American soil they stepped foot on when coming home.

Allison Willis, a freshman in the marching band color guard, plans to perform in honor of her grandfather, Harvey Willis, who served in the Vietnam War. He passed away shortly before his birthday on July 26, 2022 at the age of 72.

After graduating from Belfry High School in 1967, Willis joined the military. He served in Vietnam, ending his Army service there as an E5 Sergeant. His heroism and bravery earned him an Army Commendation Medal and a Bronze Star Medal, among several others.

Willis loved an adventure, including hikes to Deep Lake and gold panning. He also loved to meet people, according to his obituary. 

“He always felt a sense of duty to his country and community, a duty which he fulfilled well. He saved lives in Vietnam, helped out countless neighbors and friends, built several houses in Clark and the surrounding areas, and served as cemetery board president for several years. His work ethic, strength, stamina and stubbornness was like no other. He rarely saw a cow he didn’t want to buy and never saw a piece of pie he didn’t want to eat,” his family wrote in his obituary.

Wendy Willis, Harvey’s daughter-in-law, said this would be a great opportunity for Allison.

“My daughter would love to have the opportunity to march in this parade in memory of her grandfather,” she said in an email to the Tribune.

The United States has shown great respect and honor to our veterans, but that was not always the case, said Earl T. Hurrey, vice president of special programs for Historic Programs and a Marine Corp veteran. “When our Vietnam veterans came home many of these brave men and women were shunned and ridiculed.”

In 2018 the U.S. decided that it was time to heal and show our proper respect for Vietnam veterans. March 29 was officially designated as Vietnam Veterans Day.

“It’s only fitting that we present their parade in the great state of Hawaii,” Hurrey said. 

The Bronc band will not only march in the parade, but they will be an integral part of the official public ceremony, performing as part of the mass band led by the Marine Forces Pacific Band. The Vietnam Veterans Parade Committee selects one high school band from each state for this monumental event. But the trip will come with a monumental cost as well.

A new booster club set up to assist in soliciting donations is trying to raise $200,000 in order to send the kids to Hawaii. The club walked in the Stampede Parade in Cody to highlight the opportunity and had a booth set up at the city park and are continuing to develop as many fundraiser opportunities as possible. Booster club board members include; President Ron Willis, Treasurer Kristin Beasley and Secretary Natasha McColl. 

An account at First Bank has been set up for the booster club. 

“Veterans hold a very special place in my heart. My son is currently serving in the Army, my grandfather was in WWII, and my father-in-law was in the Vietnam War,” Willis said. “This is just a special moment for my daughter that is beyond words.”

The parade route takes bands from historic Fort DeRussy, along the iconic King Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki, to Kapiolani Park at the foot of Diamond Head Crater.

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon said it is an incredible honor for the band to participate in the parade.

“Your representation of Wyoming at such a memorable event is a great honor — a result of the dedication and commitment by members of the band, color guard and staff.”

A live webcast, featuring the opening ceremony and parade, takes place each March 29, beginning at 8:30 p.m. at VietnamVeteransParade.org.