Dear editor,

I was very pleased to read in the Great Bend Tribune about McKenna Esfeld on flute and Allen To on quints, for being selected to be in the All-Star Masonic Band for the Kansas East-West Shrine Bowl football game, held July 29, at Pittsburg State University, in which the proceeds go to the fine charity of the Shriners Hospitals for Children. I happen to be a Shriner myself and all Shriners belong to the Masonic Lodge, first.
I have a special feeling since I played trumpet in band long, long ago; plus my late mother Gloria (Riedl) Marples was born in Great Bend. The Masonic Band provided a lot of good entertainment and precision which made the game very enjoyable for spectators. Again, I am thrilled that two Great Bend youth were selected to be part of the 225 member Masonic Band. It is a select group, and everyone in Great Bend can be proud of this achievement. It reflects well on Great Bend High School and the community as a whole.

James A. Marples
Esbon