Wouldn’t it be nice if this auspicious occasion were of a 76th; instead of a 75th, then it might be pertinent to enjoy Meredith Willson’s well known march from The Music Man - “Seventy-six Trombones Led The Big Parade”. Intellectually I try to hold the reigns firm, but my heart will not help and the spirit is set free to soar at the circumstance of this wondrous occasion; because you see this is a cosmic feeling that I have and I do not wish to control it! So for a brief moment at least liberty is taken from the sensibilities of conservative protocol to enjoy the refrain: Seventy-six trombones led the big parade, With a hundred and ten cornets close at hand. They were followed by rows and rows, Of the finest virtuosos, The cream of every famous band. Seventy-six trombones caught the morning sun, With a hundred and ten cornets right behind. There were over a thousand reeds, Springing up like weeds, There were horns of every shape and size. There were copper bottom timpani in horse platoons, Thundering, thundering, all along the way. Double bell euphoniums and big bassoons, Each bassoon having its big fat say. There were fifty mounted canons in the battery, Thundering, thundering, louder than before. Clarinets of every size, And trumpets who'd improvise A full octave higher than the score! Seventy-six trombones hit the counterpoint, While a hundred and ten cornets blazed away. To the rhythm of Harch! Harch! Harch! All the kids began to march, And they're marching still right today! Seventy-six trombones led the big parade, when the order to march rang out loud and clear. Starting off with a big bang bong on a Chinese gong, by a big bang bonger at the rear. Seventy-six trombones hit the counter point, while a hundred and ten cornets played the air. Then I modestly took my place as the one and only bass, and I oompahed up and down the square.