On behalf of the Lehigh Valley Knights, we would like to extend our utmost thanks to DCI and the drum corps community for coming to our urgent needs in order for us to be able to compete this evening (June 26). After a long but promising day of practice, the Lehigh Valley Knights (LVK) were prepared to proceed to their first competition of the season at Western Branch High School in Chesapeake, Va. The LVK corps members were waiting for members of their parent group, the Chieftans drum and bugle corps from Allentown, Pa. Both corps would be participating in a parade in Nashville, Tenn., on Friday. To expedite travel plans, the equipment trailer, fully loaded, was sent ahead. The corps members were getting ready to leave when the staff received word that our trailer, being towed by our Suburban, was involved in a major accident. Neither driver was injured, for which we were extremely thankful. It took the effort of local police and fire companies three hours to reopen Interstate 78 before staff members were permitted to evaluate the condition of the vehicle. While staff members were patiently waiting, others began to put the further plans into effect. After numerous phone calls, staff chose to send the corps on to their scheduled competition. The staff would then meet the buses with any salvageable equipment. Unfortunately, the majority of LVK equipment was a total loss, with the exception of some horn and guard equipment. Our trailer and tow vehicles are also gone completely. As many corps enthusiasts know, the Knights are a junior corps nurtured bu their mentors, the Chieftans. The Chieftans, through their commitment to drum corps values, understand what it means to come back and rebound from adversity. There is a strong resolution on behalf of the Lehigh Valley Knights to leave no doubt – we are here to stay! To learn more about how to donate to LVK, visit the corps Web site..