LETTER TO THE EDITOR: HHS Red Regime deserves community support, respect

There is nothing better than being at home. A lot of people may not understand this, but my family does. Being a military spouse for the last 22 years, I
understand the meaning of home, especially a Southern home. It means being overly friendly, never meeting a stranger, being kind to everyone even if you do not agree with what is being said, and standing up for others.
Having traveled all over the U.S. and Europe over the years, all I ever dreamed about was coming home. I could not wait to see family, go to familiar places, see our local sports, and yes even watching the local marching bands play. I could not wait to feel like I belonged, because this is the home I remembered.
If you can remember back a week, the Hartsville High School Red Regime brought back and hosted the 22nd Annual Hartsville Tournament of Bands. This was an enormous undertaking, but with our hard working students and some of the parents this event was even more than we could ever imagine. We had local businesses and citizens that were more than generous with donations and placing ads in our program for that day. We thank each and everyone for helping to make our day a very successful one.
I was a little disappointed this day that we did not have more local support. Yes, I understand that Oct. 4 was a very busy day for Hartsville. But I feel even a few minutes out of your day could have been spent at Kellytown Stadium showing all of the visitors that our community stands behind our band. Not just any band, but the fantastic Red Regime band that is directed by Mr. Roger Simpson.
Last year was Mr. Simpson’s first year here, and we had a really good year at all of our competitions. We placed second at lower state and fourth at state. That was an amazing accomplishment for the first year with a new director. But this year we are over the top. We have received superior marks and first place at every competition that the Red Regime has competed in. And still we are not recognized.
First to the band parents, if you cannot come to a least one of your child’s competitions then I would never let anyone know. You really should be ashamed that you do not show your child that you do care what they are doing. These are hard working young adults that take what they are doing very seriously. This is not just a group of individuals that happen to play instruments, we are a FAMILY.
Second, to the community, Oct. 18 we will be traveling to Lower State and on Oct. 25 we will be traveling to State competitions. There has not been a time set as of today for the 25th, but this Saturday, the 18th, we will be leaving the school at 12 p.m. Line Carolina Avenue or Fifth Street and show the Red Regime that you are supporting them. Have signs and banners or just wave, a little encouragement makes a person feel wonderful. Let’s give our band the sendoff that they will remember and be proud of.
I’m sure my next statement will anger a few people, but it must be said. I was disappointed in the Red Fox football coaches, players and parents during the homecoming game. It was announced four times that night that the Red Regime would march their show AFTER the game because of the activities that were being held during half time.
Our students march at football games not only to practice for our competitions but to finally have some of the community members see what we are doing. We play for the football team to show our support of them. As parent we do not come to the football game a few minutes prior to halftime, watch our children perform then leave before the third quarter. No we are there to support the Red Foxes also.  
So what happened after the last seconds of the game last Friday night? Well, the band was lined up ready to take the field, but as usual the parents and almost everyone in the stands runs onto the football field. The band director and parents had to try to get people off the field so the band could march. Could you not have waited in the stands or sideline for 10 minutes while we were able to showcase what we work so hard for? By the disrespect we received Friday night, we could see that there is no respect for someone that does not have a ball on the field with them.
Where is the feeling of community and friendliness that I longed for all of those years? I truly hope that our community can once again come together to support all activities within Hartsville.
Go Red Regime.