54th Massachusetts regiment to march in parade

(David L. Ryan/Globe Staff/file Nov. 2008)

Private Steven Paschal (left) and Corporal Emmet-Bell-Sykes attended the redesignation of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment in a ceremony at the State House on Nov. 21, 2008.

By Foon Rhee, Globe Staff

The 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment and the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment reenactors have been invited to march in President-elect Barack Obama's inaugural parade, his inaugural committee announced today.

It makes perfect sense since the nation's first all-black regiment was commissioned during the Civil War by President Abraham Lincoln, whom is revered by Obama, the nation's first black president.

The parade will include bands and other groups marching down Pennsylvania Avenue following Obama's swearing-in ceremony on the steps of the Capitol. The committee received applications from 1,382 organizations, a new record.

"I am honored to invite these talented groups and individuals to participate in the Inaugural Parade," Obama said in a statement. "These organizations embody the best of our nation's history, diversity and commitment to service. Vice President-elect Biden and I are proud to have them join us in the parade."

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