Surrounded by the 360-plus members of the East Tennessee State University Marching Bucs, his voice cracked.
“Thanksgiving is about being with the ones you love,” said Dr. Joe Moore, “and I can’t think of a better way than to spend this time with you.”
What his Marching Bucs had done just a few hours before: Performed on the world stage at the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. This year’s parade reached a record 31.3 million viewers, with viewership increasing 10% over 2023, according to NBCUniversal.
For Moore and the Marching Bucs – and the hundreds of ETSU faithful who journeyed to the Big Apple – the experience was extraordinary.
Despite steady rain on Thanksgiving morning, the band delivered an unforgettable performance broadcast to millions of viewers across the globe. ETSU becomes the first collegiate marching band from Tennessee in over 60 years to perform in the parade.
"Today you performed with pride, you performed with precision and you performed with passion,” he said.
For embodying the spirit of the parade, Macy’s presented the Marching Bucs with the Rollie Award, named for Rowland H. Macy, founder of the iconic department store chain.
Earlier in the week, NBC Nightly News featured the band’s resilience and perseverance in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, offering the nation a preview of their Macy’s Thanksgiving Day performance.
The trip to New York City was packed with memorable moments. The band explored Times Square, attended a Broadway performance of “Hadestown” and toured iconic landmarks such as Central Park and the Empire State Building.
On Wednesday, some members of the Color Guard and Majorettes joined the Radio City Rockettes on stage for a special performance at the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes® presented by QVC.
The band joined family and friends for a Thanksgiving dinner in New Jersey Thursday night where Moore and others delivered remarks.
“I want you to know that I am so proud of you,” he said.
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