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In less than two weeks, the nation will look on as President Barack Obama is inaugurated. Following the swearing in the celebration kicks off with a big parade down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House. Every state is represented, but this year somebody forgot to invite Idaho.

Someone caught the oversight with time running out, and invited the Idaho firefighters pipes and drum corps. Thanks to them, the gem state will be represented on inauguration day.

On Tuesday they were practicing for the big day. It’s the most important gig they've played in their lives.

“Oh by far, to play for the president of the United States, I don't think it's going to get any bigger,” said Capt. Rob Shoplock, Eagle Fire Department.

20 members of the Idaho Firefighter Pipes and Drums Corps will represent Idaho in the inauguration parade in Washington, D.C.

We have members from Boise, Meridian, Coeur d’Alene and Lewiston and we're all going meet there and march down Pennsylvania Avenue.

A historic parade that started with the nation’s first inauguration of George Washington. What's almost as amazing though is how this almost didn’t happen.

“January 1st comes along and the deadline was December 31st for entries into the parade,” said Mike Menlove, Boise Fire Department,

The deadline came and went and no one from the entire state stepped forward to participate.

Until, the last minute call.
“We were selected last Friday, I got a phone call out of the blue, that said, hey, you want to go to Washington D.C. and represent Idaho and be a part of history,” said Menlove.

While the event is coordinated and hosted by the inaugural committee, the firefighters want people to know this is not a political statement.

“It’s just such an honor to take part in the inaugural parade,” said Shoplock.

They would have assembled and put their hearts and soul into it for anyone, democrat, republican or independent.

“We want to support our country, we're very patriotic, and we're going to go back and do the best that we can,” said Menlove.

What's most important to them is representing Idaho.

“We are the only pipes and drums honor guard that is going to be walking in the parade, 20 bagpipers and drummers, we are going to be making some noise in Washington D.C. And waving that Idaho flag,” said Shoplock.

There are 27 people going to the parade and get this, they're doing it all at their own expense.

If you would like to help them out, go to the firefighters of Idaho website.