ROCHELLE — Now that the dust has settled from the Rochelle Township High School marching band’s whirlwind trip to Washington, D.C. everyone has had a chance to reflect on the unique opportunity.

Nearly 100 students and chaperones spent a few days with a full itinerary centered around the main event — the Parade of Heroes Veterans Day celebration that honored those who served in World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars. They visited Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, several memorials and museums and had a dinner cruise.
Ron Duval, RTHS Band Director, could not say enough about the experience.
“The weekend was just an emotional rollercoaster … We packed so much into those four days as we possibly could and the kids continued to live up to the expectations of how they should be,” he said. “I told the kids many times just how proud I was of them and their conduct and behavior. It was just a really great weekend.”
Marching band student Jeremiah Diehl remarked on his experience.
“It was neat to see the veterans in their own memorials together and to pay respect to those who shaped the country and defended us,” Diehl said. “It was very eye-opening and breathtaking. I would like to thank the community of Rochelle for all the support. I will never forget this trip.”

Student Allison Reish echoed Diehl, expressing gratitude for the support from the community.
“Thank you thank you thank you,” she exclaimed. “To everyone who supported the RTHS Hub Marching Band and wishing them luck at D.C. It was a blast and an honor to perform and thank you to everyone who served and fought for this country. We couldn’t have done it without the boosters, friends, our families and of course Papa Duvs. Also, a special thank you to Sheryl Casey, we couldn’t have done it without you either.”

Michele Lidren, parent of marching band student Logan Lidren, shared her experience. As a fairly new resident of Rochelle she has found the high school and music department welcoming.
“I cannot begin to tell you what a gift it was to be with these kids on this journey. RTHS Marching Band kids are the most respectful kids I have ever had the opportunity to work with … to see D.C. through their eyes was amazing,” she said. “I saw kids moved to tears by our experience at Arlington Cemetery, where they stood completely silent for over 20 minutes. I saw kids talking to veterans and thanking them for service. I saw kids walking solemnly at the Vietnam Wall completely in awe of the people they were seeing … I heard many say that this was the best experience that they had had in their entire lives. And it wasn’t just about the site seeing. It put meaning into all those history lessons they have been taught. It connected them to the stories they had heard. These kids got it.”
Adding,” I am absolutely blown away by this entire experience. The kids continually thanked me for giving my time to be a part of this, but it was I that received the gift of being around these amazing humans. This trip was completely life changing for me.”
For those back at home in Rochelle, the pictures and videos of the students visit to the many museums and memorials helped everyone stay connected.
Dora Terry, parent of marching band student Jacob, followed the band’s activities through the social media posts by the chaperones, admitting “spine-chilling” moments as well as being moved to tears while watching Duval’s speech. She is thankful to have seen their experience through the videos, expressing gratitude to the community for helping to make the trip happen.
“I would like to let every parent of the band and guard know that each and every one of these students were beyond excellent in their behavior during the entire trip,” said chaperone Heather Hensley. “I was so impressed with this group of kids who were able to conduct a level of maturity and accountability from the moment we left for the trip through our return home.”
Hensley extended a thank you to RTHS staff for their organizing efforts, the students in band and guard for their hard work and dedication and to all the family, friends and community for making the trip possible.
Chaperone Araceli Hernandez, parent of student Leonardo Hernandez said the trip was a “memorable experience … the respect and responsibility that the kids had. Not only were they good but they were acting like adults and that’ what made the trip amazing.”
Another chaperone, Karla Brown remarked on how often the band was complimented on their discipline and respectful behavior. She said the tour guide had joked with the group before leaving, mentioning how nice it was to “spend the last three months” with them.
“Parents please know that you have amazing kids … It felt like we were there a long time because of all the experiences we had. I am thankful and blessed that I was able to chaperone this group with some amazing parents and of course Mr. Duval and

Community rally
From the moment Duval accepted the invitation and the go ahead from school administrators, he put the ball in motion. Gathering estimated costs and appealing to the community, Duval said he as he reflects on that huge amount of money that needed to be raised, it seemed daunting. But in true Rochelle community fashion, donations started pouring in.
Last May a sign was placed in front of RTHS, resembling a thermometer to see the progress of money received but still needed for the trip. In between donations and a car raffle, by September the goal had been reached.
Several individuals, organizations and businesses helped raise the nearly $100,000 needed.
For Duval, one of the most memorable moments of the trip was the visit to Arlington Cemetery. A slight change of schedule due to rain had postponed the visit from the first day to the last day and by Monday, Duval said all of the events the students participated in and had seen prior had led to the crowning moment. He described the walk to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and how as he observed from the back and as the group climbed uphill, all he could see was “a sea of purple.” The only sound was of the footsteps.
“The kids just really kept getting more and more focused on the whole veterans’ observance. There was just some really emotional moments … the level of respect and solemn gratitude the kids had was just overwhelming to me,” he said. “I said to the kids and the veterans [at the breakfast upon returning] that there is no way we can ever pay back for the opportunity we had to represent the state, the city, and the high school. It was just a very moving emotional weekend. Our kids behaved in the utmost respect and appreciation of our veterans.”
Adding, “There were so many great moments. I just broke down with the kids … It means so much for not only themselves and to have had something like this that sparks your emotions. I saw tears coming down the kids’ faces. It was just a very moving emotional weekend.”