Roger - What an awesome web site.  it couldn't be better.  It is very impressive, I was totally fascinated, and the memories came flooding back to me.  I marched with the corps from 1953 (I'm in that photo of the 53 corps) through 1958, graduating from Great Bend High in 1958.

I remember well the fateful Miami trip through the south, as I was a sponsor on that trip.   Being a new Registered Nurse at that time, I had the responsibility of attending to Phil Briscoe after the incident at Birmingham, and recall accompanying him to the hospital for treatment.  Thankfully he received only minor injuries.   The emotional trauma of the incident affected all of us, who found it appalling behavior for grown men to attack teens, just because of their color.  I'm thankful that I grew up in Great Bend with no prejudice.   I remember Phil as a very dedicated musician who loved the drum and bugle corps.  I was pleased to read his account and feelings about the incident.  Those of us who witnessed it will never forget.  


Sincerely,  Marcia "Cannady" Ochs, P.O. Box 375, Bison, KS 67520
GBHS Class of 58;  Argonne Rebels 1953 through 1958 (and then in the early 60's as a sponsor/instructor)   Thanks for the memories.