Presidential Parade

Here is an article that featured Zach and his Grandpa Smith in the Hattiesburg American.

Presidential Parades are One Family's Tradition
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081225/NEWS01/812250335

PETAL - Zachary Hales plays trumpet in the Petal High School marching band not just because he enjoys music, but because music is a tradition in his family.

It's a tradition that includes a grandfather who student directed for the Brigham Young University marching band. That band marched down Pennsylvania Avenue for President Richard Nixon's second inaugural parade in 1973.

Now, Zachary will carry the torch back to Washington for President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration in January. Brent Hales, Zach's father, said the news of Petal's selection to play in the inauguration parade meant a lot to their family. "We're absolutely thrilled - this is a once in a lifetime opportunity but also a family legacy that will be there forever," he said.

Fred Smith, Zach's grandfather, said that although the band knew Nixon was not the most popular president, the prestige of the event still hit home. "We were aware of some of the anti-Nixon protests, but it was such an honor to represent the state of Utah," he said. "It doesn't matter who is in that room, there is something special about playing for the president of the United States." Smith said the band faced a little adversity during the Nixon inauguration.
"After the parade, we were sent down a side street and that's where all the protesters were sent, and there were anti-Nixon protesters who began to yell at us, which was very interesting in itself," he said.

Zach Hales said he is still stunned by the band's selection to play in the parade.
"Being a part of it is a huge honor and you really have to grasp it and when you do you realize that you're going to be a part of history, and it puts me in awe," he said.

Smith said he gave his grandson the advice to take in every aspect of the trip.
"I know this experience Zach will never forget. There's no way to describe it until you experience it, playing for the president of the United States right in front of him ... it's the office you're playing for, not the man," he said.

The band has to raise $75,000 to make the trip and is far from its goal. So far, the Petal band has raised at least $3,360, according to band booster Cissy Robertson, who is leading the charge in getting donations.

She said checks and online donations made through the school district's Web site have not yet been added to the total.

http://www.petalschools.com/petal/site/default.asp

She said band boosters are working with state officials to get the word out about their fundraising. Petal was the only band in the state that was selected to play in the parade.

Dear Family and Friends,

Merry Christmas! The family wanted to write you and wish you Merry Christmas and update you on what is going on in our lives.

Sam and Luther are enjoying kindergarten and Candy is enjoying not having a child in the house during the day. It is the first time since 1994 we haven’t had one. She loves working out and volunteering at the school. The boys don’t like waking up early but once they are going, they love school. They are so excited for Christmas.

Gabby is Gabby. She is our sprite. She sang a solo in the elementary school Christmas concert. It was pretty cool. She loves performing and gets a kick out of watching people bug out when they hear her voice. She is excited for soccer season to start next spring. She is an excellent student and loves to be involved with everything.


Matt is becoming an amazing guitarist and drummer. He is first-chair in the 7th grade and was a featured soloist for the Christmas concert (band). He played the drums for “Little Drummer Boy”. He is growing up so fast. He loves being a teenager now. It is crazy to think that he is 13. He loves it. He played football this fall and while he was one of the smallest on the field, he consistently hit hard.

Zach is busy. He just got back from Philadelphia, PA where he played in their Thanksgiving Day parade. He just found out that the Petal High School Band has been selected to play in the Presidential Inaugural Parade on January 20, 2009. He is excited for it. He also is nearing his Eagle Scout and is busy with church. We are hoping he will get his first deer soon. We have been out several times but haven’t been successful to date. Oh well.


Rainier is currently stationed at Fort Bliss, TX and will be deployed in early March to serve our country in Qatar. He will be serving there for approximately 18 months. We are so proud of his service to our country and pray for him constantly.


Candy loves her independence from kids during the day and works with the schools to fill in the time. She also works out more now that she has time to do so. She is also doing projects around the house. She is going to start taking classes in the fall of next year toward her college degree.

Brent is trying to balance way too many things. Between being Bishop of the Petal Ward and working at the University of Southern Mississippi, he is trying to be a dad and husband. He is truly happy. He is learning he has to slow down after his third bout of pneumonia this year. He was just glad to be out of the hospital for Christmas (he was in for a couple days this week).

One thing is for certain, life is never boring around our house. We love this time of year because it reminds us of the most important focus of our lives. The birth of the Savior Jesus Christ and his ultimate atonement has made it possible for us to return back into His and our Heavenly Father’s presence. We are so grateful for our family and for the opportunity we have to be together forever. We thank God for our friends and family and pray that you feel His unending love for you at this time and throughout the year. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Love,
Brent, Candy, Rainier, Zach, Matt, Gabby, Sam, and Luther