The 2008 Convention: Democrats Announce Americans Selected to Present Colors, Lead Pledge of Allegiance and Sing National Anthem

Democrats Announce Americans Selected to Present Colors, Lead Pledge of Allegiance and Sing National Anthem. Colorado, Mountain West Groups to Play Central Role

The Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) and the Obama for America campaign today announced the Americans selected to present the colors, lead the pledge of allegiance and sing the national anthem for the first three nights of the 2008 Democratic National Convention, including several groups from Colorado and the Mountain West region.

The Presentation of the Colors will highlight three organizations dedicated to honoring our veterans and their commitment to service on behalf of the country. The Navajo Code Talkers Association, presenting Monday night, is a group comprised of code talkers whose primary job was to talk and transmit information on tactics, troop movements, orders and other vital battlefield information during World War II.  Tuesday night’s presentation will feature The American GI Forum, Mile Hi Chapter. The Mile Hi Chapter is one of the largest chapters within the GI Forum family, and is dedicated to serving Latino Veterans and their families. Wednesday night’s presentation features The Colorado Chapter of Veterans of Foreign Wars, which under the leadership of Commander Steve Rylant, continues to promote community service and provide support to Colorado Veterans and their families.

The three individuals selected to lead the pledge of allegiance have all distinguished themselves as true leaders by dedicating their lives to service. Angie Macon of Alexandria, Virginia served nine years as an officer in the Marine Corps and now runs a small business focused on leadership development. Koby Langley of Fort Meade, Maryland holds a Bronze Star Medal for his leadership in the US Army, where he is credited for the design and implementation of the first Foreign Torts Claims Act Policy for civil damages compensation in Iraq. Paul Bucha of Ridgefield, Connecticut is also a recognized leader and a recipient of the Medal of Honor for his distinguished service as a commanding officer in Vietnam.

The National Anthem will be performed by individuals, brought together through music, who demonstrate a commitment to inclusiveness and community leadership. Two groups from the Rocky Mountain region will be showcased both Monday and Tuesday nights, while a distinguished tribal leader from South Dakota will take the stage on Wednesday.

The Colorado Children’s Chorale is comprised of children ages seven to 14 brought together from the surrounding metropolitan areas throughout Denver. The group’s 400 members will celebrate community inclusiveness as they unite in voice on Monday night.  The Rocky Mountain Children's Choir, performing Tuesday night, is also committed to forming a community around music. The choir is a multicultural, multiracial children's choir that has been dedicated to offering the opportunity to experience musical excellence in a multicultural environment since its establishment in 1995. Wednesday night’s performance of the National Anthem will feature the voice of Robert Moore, distinguished singer and elected council member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe in South Dakota. Moore has established himself as a leader among communities in the Great Plains region, where he brings a focus to raising awareness of health disparities.

Monday, August 25
Presentation of Colors
 Navajo Code Talkers Association
Pledge of Allegiance Angie Macon, Alexandria, VA
National Anthem Colorado Children's Chorale

 Tuesday, August 26
Presentation of Colors
 American GI Forum
Pledge of Allegiance Koby Langley, Fort Meade, Maryland
National Anthem Rocky Mountain Children's Choir

 Wednesday, August 27
Presentation of Colors
 Colorado Chapter of Veterans of Foreign Wars
Pledge of Allegiance Paul Bucha, Ridgefield, Connecticut
National Anthem Robert Moore of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Rosebud, SD

Details on the program for Thursday, August 28 will be announced in the coming days.