Department of Defense

The 111th Army Band, HARNG, along with four members of the Royal Guard, Hawai i Air National Guard, participated in the Presidential Inaugural Parade in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 20, 1977.

– 1976 Annual Report pp. 4

Guardsmen represent Hawaii in Inaugural Parade

by PFC Judy Lau
117th PID Staff Writer

Presidential Inaugural Parade 1977 is one parade that members of the Hawaii National Guard’s U 1th Army Band and four Royal Guardsmen from the Hawaii Air National Guard will never forget.

They marched in it.

Imagine all 37 of them marching down Pennsylvania Avenue Jan. 20 in snappy blue uniforms set off by white, double carnation leis.

They dazzled the parade crowds with their spirit of aloha.

Trombonist Sp5 Roy Miyahira recalls how excited the spectators got when the announcer over the PA system said, “This unit is from Hawaii.” “People cheered, waved, and yelled out ‘Aloha’!”

“I felt nervous-you’re marching in front of thousands of people all bundled up, and we knew we were on national TV too,” SSgt. Robert Chang said.

“The men should be very proud of themselves. They performed exceptionally well under extremely difficult conditions,” said Capt. Robert Fishman who was appointed by Maj. Gen. Valentine A. Siefermann, adjutant general, as Hawaii’s liaison officer for the inauguration.

Enlisted bandleader, MSgt. William T. H. Yuen commented, “This occasion was one we’ve been looking forward to for years. I feel any band would be proud and honored to be selected to perform in this parade.”

The band played five marches along the two-mile route. The selections were specially arranged by one of the band members, Sp5 Dale Senaga, a professional musician.

– 1977 March Pūpūkahi pp. 1

Langsi heads Royal Guard troop in Washington, D.C.

by Maj. David F. Howard
201st Combat Communications Squadron

MSgt. David P. Langsi, 201st Combat Communications Squadron, HANG, was in charge of the color guard that represented the State of Hawaii at Jimmy Carter’s Inaugural Parade. All four members of the color guard were Hawaii Air National Guardsmen of Hawaiian ancestry, who belong to the ceremonial Royal Guard.

Langsi also participated in the inaugural parades for Presidents Johnson and Nixon, and stated that this year’s weather was the worst. ”It was so cold,” he said, ”I had to wear two sets of ‘long-johns’ to remain warm during the parade.” That sounds pretty cold, doesn’t it?

The parade route was actually five miles long for those who marched. First aid stations were available at numerous points along the route to care for the participants who had to drop out. Yet, the Royal Guard had no problems.

When they arrived at Dulles Airport in Virginia, they were met by Senator Sparky Matsunaga. Later, after touring the city, they met Senator Daniel Inouye and Representative Dan Akaka and Mrs. Patsy Mink. Langsi and the other guardsmen were made to feel right at home by the Congressmen.

The highlight of the trip, however, was their attendance at the Inaugural Ball held in the Smithsonian Institute-one of seven attended by President Carter.

“All in all,” Langsi said, “it was a very thrilling experience, .and we were proud to represent Hawaii.” .

– 1977 March Pūpūkahi pp. 8