[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 155 (Friday, November 7, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2192]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          SAM CASALE AND GLENN MILLER: GOOD MUSIC AND MEMORIES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. FRANK LoBIONDO

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 5, 1997

  Mr. LoBIONDO Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Sam 
Casale, a resident of Turnersville, NJ, for his involvement with the 
Glenn Miller Orchestra in the 1940's, and for his tireless efforts to 
convince the U.S. Postal Service to issue a Glenn Miller stamp.
  Because of his strong advocacy over the years, Mr. Casale's dream has 
now been realized: the Postal Service recently issued a Glenn Miller 
Postage stamp as part of its series featuring American composers, 
musicians, and singers. What is more, Mr. Casale was given the honor of 
designing the second-day cancellation postmark which will be issued 
from the Egg Harbor Post Office, located in the Second Congressional 
District.
  Sam Casale first heard Glenn Miller's distinctive brass and woodwind 
sound as a high school student. Like many others in that era, he was 
taken by such Miller hits as ``In the Mood,'' ``Chattanooga Choo 
Choo,'' and ``Moonlight Serenade.'' Glenn Miller was a household name 
in the United States by 1939, and his band was a coast-to-coast 
sensation.
  At age 17, Mr. Casale was able to become a part of the excitement 
when he was hired by the Miller Orchestra as a band boy. From that 
vantage point, he was able to watch Miller's artistry, professionalism, 
and--as Mr. Casale is quick to point out--Miller's good moral judgment.
  Mr. Casale's big moment with the orchestra came in Atlantic City, 
minutes before a live radio performance. Miller, who was running late, 
had not yet shown up at the bandstand. With the broadcast about to go 
on the air, band members asked Casale, himself a clarinet player, to 
start the orchestra. With a swing of his arm, the band started their 
first number; at that moment, Miller walked on stage, greeting young 
Mr. Casale with a smile and an ``OK'' sign as he took control of his 
band.
  Glenn Miller, of course, went on to join the Army Air Corps in World 
War II and aided the Allied war effort as a morale-building band 
leader. Although Miller died in the service of his country in 1944, Sam 
Casale's efforts in preserving his memory will ensure that our 
generation will never forget Glenn Miller's contribution to American 
music.

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