[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 117 (Friday, August 2, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S9551]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




[[Page S9551]]



               RETIREMENT OF COL. JOHN R. BOURGEOIS, USMC

  Mr. NUNN. Mr. President, I would like to take a few moments to 
acknowledge the ``passing of a baton'' both in the literal and 
figurative sense.
  On July 11, 1996, Col. John R. Bourgeois, the 25th director of the 
U.S. Marine Band and Music Advisor to the White House, retired. He had 
led the band, known as the President's Own, for 17 years.
  A native of Louisiana, Colonel Bourgeois joined the Marine Corps in 
1956 and joined the band just 2 years later as a French horn player. 
When he was appointed to his present grade, he became the first 
musician in the Marine Corps to serve in every rank from private to 
colonel.
  As director of the Marine Band and Music Advisor to the White House, 
Colonel Bourgeois has selected the music for each Presidential 
inauguration since 1981 and has appeared at the White House more 
frequently than any other musician.
  I am sure that those of my colleagues who have enjoyed the band's 
incredible performances at the evening parades or in other venues are 
not surprised that Colonel Bourgeois and the Marine Band remain the 
favorite of Presidents year after year.
  When he retired, Colonel Bourgeois literally passed the baton--a 
baton that had been given to another director of the Marine Band, John 
Philip Sousa, over a century ago--to Maj. Timothy W. Foley, who has 
been nominated to become the next director.
  The particular connection between the military profession and its 
rousing music has transcended the years and national borders. It is as 
much a part of history as military service itself.
  As Colonel Bourgeois retires from active duty after a distinguished 
career of service to the Marine Corps and his country, I know all of my 
colleagues join me in expressing our deepest appreciation for the 
passion and professionalism he has brought to his duties, and the joy 
and pride he has brought to so many Americans.

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