Dearborn, MI – On Saturday, U.S. Representative John D. Dingell (MI-15) greeted Congresswoman Donna Edwards (MD-04) upon her arrival to Michigan with a surprise welcome-- live music by the Wyandotte Roosevelt High School Marching Band. The special welcome to thank Congresswoman Edwards was held Saturday afternoon at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport, outside the old Berry terminal.
“It was a delightful event! Congresswoman Edwards was touched and the high school students were so excited,” said Dingell. “Debbie and I were both very moved by the students overwhelming enthusiasm at getting to personally thank Congresswoman Edwards with music.”
In January of 2009, Roosevelt High School was asked to play in President Obama’s inaugural parade. All of the hotels in the Washington, DC area were full and the school could not find proper accommodations for the band. The school contacted Representative Dingell’s office for assistance and Mr. Dingell reached out to Congresswoman Edwards, as her district is very close to Washington, DC, and Congresswoman Edwards made arrangements for the band to stay at a local high school in Maryland.
“The pleasure was ours,” said Wyandotte Roosevelt High School’s band director, Mark D’Angelo. “It was a lot of work trying to arrange everything, but absolutely worth the energy spent. Both the Congressman Dingell and Congresswoman Edwards are two of the nicest people! It was a great moment that will be remembered!”
When the students came to DC for the Inaugural festivities, the students stayed at the Henry Wise, Jr. High School. Congresswoman Edwards treated them royally; they were given the entire school to use, showers, extra sleeping bags for students who didn’t have them, board games for entertainment, security, food, and even an ironing board. She was more than obliging and even stopped by the school to meet the members of the band. Mr. Dingell was touched by her generosity and hospitality, so he decided a musical surprise by the students would be a fun way to express his appreciation.
