Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Arts & Entertainment
Thanks To Government Shutdown West Point Band Can't March In Columbus Day Parade
By
Jen Chung
Published Oct 14, 2013
Modified Oct 14, 2013
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jen Chung
Published Oct 14, 2013
Modified Oct 14, 2013
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
The 69th Columbus Day Parade is happening right now, but one band is missing: The West Point Military Academy's band.
On Saturday, the band posted on its Facebook page, "Unfortunately, due to the government shutdown, we will not be appearing in the Columbus Day Parade on Monday. Keep an eye out for us next year."
The Post spoke to the president of the Columbus Citizens Foundation, Frank Fusaro, "It is very regrettable that for reasons unrelated to their professionalism and commitment to our country that they are unable to perform on Fifth Avenue this Columbus Day." According Fusaro's statement, "West Point’s appearance was going to be underwritten entirely by the citizen’s foundation — which months prior to the government shutdown had agreed to pay for all costs, including transportation, tolls, and meals."
Fusaro added, "The Band is made up of active-duty soldiers who are also virtuosos from across the United States. Historically, and for over two centuries, the Band’s members have been ambassadors of our country." As a Facebook commenter said, "Thank goodness the congressional gym is still open so that they are not put out by this shut down."
Anyway, the West Point band was replaced by the Ohio North University Marching Band.
Tagged
columbus day
government shutdown
shutdown
west point marching band
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE arts-entertainment
Inside a photographer's journey to visit every neighborhood in New York City
What do you see when you record the whole of the boroughs?
By
Sonia Rao
Published Oct 5, 2026
Banned books and Winnie the Pooh: October in NYC libraries
It's a busy month at the branches.
By
Alec Hamilton
Arts & Entertainment
Banned books and Winnie the Pooh: October in NYC libraries
It's a busy month at the branches.
By
Alec Hamilton
NYC music in October: The Strokes, a Blink-182 cover band, and Polish experimentalism
By
Hank Shteamer
Are you a New Yorker? The Department of New Yorker Verification will now decide.
By
Hannah Frishberg
In the mood for a pastoral autumn experience? Try Queens.
By
Elizabeth Shwe
and
James Ramsay
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .