FLEMING ISLAND, Fla. -- Members of the Fleming Island High School Band got the royal treatment when they were personally asked to perform in a famous parade by the great-grandson of Winston Churchill.
"I've heard some good things about Fleming," said Lord Mayor Duncan Sandys, Winston Churchill's great-grandson.
Lord Mayor Sandys traveled all the way from the United Kingdom to personally invite the Golden Eagles Marching Band to London's New Year's Day Parade.
The band of 120 students is one of Northeast Florida's most-decorated marching bands. In 2010, they won the 3A division state championships and they consistently rank in the top five in the 4A division.
But now they're gearing up for a performance of a lifetime.
"It's an honor to be a part of this band. It's one big family," said Josiah Marinos, Drum Major.
According to Lord Mayor Sandys, scouts search all around the world to find good bands for the parade which attracts about 600,000 spectators every year.
The Golden Eagles were a perfect fit for the 2015 parade.
"They're just dedicated and very talented and we look forward to seeing them in the streets," said Lord Mayor Sandys.
Sophomore Josiah Marinos was one of the three drum major who had the duty of giving Winston Churchill's great-grandson a tour of their school.
He says it's a day he'll never forget.
"It's a once in a lifetime chance," said Marinos.
It's not the first time the band has traveled to London to perform. In 2006 they also participated in the New Year's Day parade. However, this is the first time they get a personal invite from Winston Churchill's great-grandson.
