[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 120 (Friday, September 11, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1697]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO THE DEFIANCE HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND OF CLASS 
     FOR THEIR PARTICIPATION IN THE 1999 TOURNAMENT OF ROSE PARADE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. PAUL E. GILLMOR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 11, 1998

  Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to an 
outstanding group of young men and women from Ohio's Fifth 
Congressional District. The Defiance High School Marching Band of 
Class.
  On January 1, 1999, the Defiance High School Marching Band of Class 
will be participating in a very special event. On that date, they will 
be participating in the 1999 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, 
California. This is truly a wonderful experience and quite an 
accomplishment for these talented young people from Ohio's Fifth 
District. Each January, the parade takes place in conjunction with a 
plethora of activities surrounding one of the most celebrated athletic 
contests in all of sports and entertainment--the Rose Bowl.
  Historically speaking, the Rose Bowl, the ``Grand Daddy of Them 
All,'' pits the Big Ten Champion against the winner of the PAC Ten. 
And, in future years, could very well be the site of college football 
National Championship Game. I cannot think of a better script than to 
have the DHS Marching Band of Class in attendance for the entire 
experience surrounding the Rose Bowl and Tournament of Roses Parade.
  The pageantry comradery, pomp, and ceremony that encompass the Rose 
Bowl and the Tournament of Roses Parade, truly makes these two enjoined 
events among America's most wholesome and celebrated gatherings. I 
cannot think of a more representative, respected, and talented group of 
young men and women to be Northwest Ohio's ambassadors to the 1999 
Tournament of Roses Parade and the Rose Bowl.
  Mr. Speaker, the DHS Marching Band of Class is just that--a class 
organization. From the students who work and train so hard, to the 
parents and teachers who assist them along the way, the Defiance High 
School Marching Band of Class is world-class, and in a category all to 
itself. I urge my colleagues to stand and join me in paying special 
tribute to the Defiance High School Marching Band of Class, and in 
wishing them the very best at the 1999 Tournament of Roses Parade. We 
are very proud of your honors and achievements. Good Luck!

                          ____________________