The Palmetto Ridge High School Marching Pride Band erupted in cheers when they learned they would be representing the town of Naples and the state of Florida at the 2017 presidential inauguration.

“It’s not really about politics, this parade, it’s the position, we’re marching for the President of the United States, not specifically Donald Trump, even if it had been Hillary, not specifically for Hillary,” Drum Major Robert Colvin told Fox 4.

In other words, the Marching Pride has American Pride.

It will be the first time any band from Collier County, Florida, has marched in the Presidential Inaugural Parade. And I suspect there are many proud moms and dads and grandparents in that part of the state.

“It’s one of those things you tell your kids, ‘I was in this,’” the drum major told Fox 4.

This is the moment when the marching band discovered they would be performing for the president-elect:

Breaking News! The @PalmettoRidgeHS Marching Pride has been selected to perform in the Inauguration Parade in Washington DC!! #ccpssuccess pic.twitter.com/v7E86pjmhD

— Collier Schools (@collierschools) December 21, 2016

And here is some video of the young musicians preparing to make the Sunshine State proud on Inauguration Day:

The @PRHSBands warming up for @TrumpInaugural as @FoxNews and local media visit! @PalmettoRidgeHS #ccpssuccess pic.twitter.com/8hv9ad4DQg

— Collier Schools (@collierschools) January 4, 2017

The school’s student government association posted a congratulatory note on Facebook: “It is an honor to play in such an historic event, and showcase what Palmetto Ridge is; a place of diversity, love, and acceptance.”

I know a good many Hollywood celebrities who could learn a lesson from the students at Palmetto Ridge. There’s a time to put politics aside and unite as one free people.

I’d rather see young patriots like the Marching Pride than a bunch of auto-tuned, lip-syncing, Hollywood A-Listers!