The New York Military Academy and NYPD band will participate in Trump’s inauguration parade, celebrating his ties to New York.
New York: President-elect Donald Trump’s second inauguration parade is set to have a distinct New York vibe.
The New York Military Academy and the NYPD Emerald Society Pipes and Drums will be part of the festivities, just like they were in 2017. It’s a nice nod to the city.
NYMA, located in Cornwall-on-Hudson, has a special connection to Trump. He graduated from there in 1964 and was honored as an Alumnus of Distinction in 1999.
This academy has been training cadets since 1889, making it one of the oldest military prep schools in the U.S. Notable alumni include Francis Ford Coppola and Stephen Sondheim, though they didn’t graduate.
During the 2017 parade, Trump saluted the NYMA cadets, showing his pride in his school, according to an inaugural committee spokesperson.
Trump’s dad sent him to the academy when he was just 13. Initially, he was a bit of a troublemaker, but he learned discipline and thrived thanks to his competitive spirit.
Retired Army Sgt. Maj. Mike Lavigne, who oversees cadet life at NYMA, said, “These cadets wear the same uniforms and follow the same routines as a twice-elected president. It shows them what’s possible.”
NYMA Headmaster Sunny Doman expressed excitement about honoring a proud graduate. “This is historic — we’ll march with our cadets and alumni, including some of Trump’s classmates from 1964.”
The NYPD Emerald Society Pipes and Drums are also back for another round. This band, made up of active and retired NYPD officers, was the first police pipe band in the U.S., formed in 1960.
They’ve performed everywhere, from hospitals to events with Popes. Nearly 40 groups will join the parade, chosen from over 100 applicants.
The parade will kick off at 2:30 p.m., stretching from the Capitol to the White House, featuring Trump and the two New York institutions.
