Hans Kloppert WDCHOF induction - Introduction by Charlie Poole - video tribute - acceptance speech

On December 2, 2023 I had the incredible honour of being inducted into the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame at the Valley Forge Casino in Pennsylvania and recieve the International Achievement Award.
I was very happy to have my dear father (who had travelled the 5100 miles with me to get here) present at the ceremony, and to be surrounded by lots of dear friends and relatives.
My cousins Angela and Matt had flown in from Michigan.
My best Buccaneers (1987) friends Andrea and Lisa were at my side at the banquet.
Dennis Daily (Jubal USA Tour volunteer 2015/2018) and Alex Mutz (Blue Devils alumni and three Jubal USA Tours vet) had flown in from Evansville IN and Austin TX respectively.
Buccanners friends Lou (also WDCHOF member) and his wife Lois Tierno joined me at my table as well.
At my second table I had the pleasure of the attendance of more longtime drumcorps friends, most of whom also WDCHOF Members: DCI contest director Tony DiCarlo and his wife Leslie, Tom Peashey, Bib Fizette (Buccaneers and Skyliners) and his wife Doreen Sandor, David Martin (Empire Statesmen/Hitmen), and Amy Reppert (sister of my dear late photographer friend Harry Heidelmark) and her husband Dave.
Congrats to the class of 2023!
I feel privileged to have known quite a few of you (Tom Blair, TJ Doucette, Carol Abohatab, Neil Larrivee, Carol O'Brien) for years as well.
Hans Kloppert
video: Dennis Daily