Their numbers diminish slightly each year, but not the enthusiasm of WWII veterans who served in the Rainbow Division Band. For the last eight years, they have chosen Columbia as their reunion destination. Last week they said 2009 may be their last meeting.

"It's getting harder and harder for us to travel," explained Gino Marco, 84, who lives the closest and drives in from Greensboro, NC. The band's leader, now 94 years old, flew in from WaWa, Penn. Fellow Pennsylvanian Dr. Don Youngdahl and his wife Theresa arrived from Pittsburg.

John Scopini made a return trip this year from Fairfax, Va., and the band member traveling farthest was Ellis Day from Pleasanton, Calif. Betty Meitzler of Hendersonville, N.C., whose late husband was a member of the band, was accompanied by her son Freddie Meitzler of Spartanburg.

Marco admitted it also grows harder each year for him to play the bagpipes, part of the band's tradition since Major General Harry Collins added the pipes (and drums) to his command of the 42nd Rainbow Division because of the instrument's ability to stir the martial spirit. The youngest alumna of the band, Marco played "Amazing Grace" in tribute to deceased band members.

Hospitality is the attraction to Columbia, and it is dished up in plentiful supply by Columbian Paul Pickens, who played tuba in the famous band, and his wife Barbara Scott. The couple makes all the arrangements for the former band members to convene and reminisce annually.

The former musicians, who were part of a four- power parade (British, French, and Russian occupation forces) in celebration of the liberation of Vienna at the end of WWII, were recognized from the podium during graduation ceremonies at Fort Jackson on Friday.

Saturday evening they were honored, entertained and serenaded by The Bob Knox Blue Serenade following dinner at the American Legion hall on Pickens Street. When the band took a short break, Giersch awarded Pickens a plaque of appreciation and also explained why members of the Rainbow band salute "up" - toward the rainbow.

Pickens is also the organizer of the Wild Irish Band that has disseminated its St. Patrick's Day Parade spirit throughout Europe. Member of that all- volunteer band also perform in the community (along with other area musicians) as the Summer Band, as well as a German band.