[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 124 (Thursday, September 17, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1744]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          IN HONOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN MARCHING BAND

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                          HON. LYNN N. RIVERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 17, 1998

  Ms. RIVERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the University of 
Michigan Marching Band and their milestone Centennial Season. In the 
fall of 1898, the Michigan Band first appeared at a football game, with 
25 members performing only from the stands. From these humble 
beginnings the Michigan Band has grown in both size and stature to be 
widely recognized as the pre-eminent college Michigan Band in the 
country.
  The Band has had a rich history, full of notable events. On January 
1, 1948, the Michigan Marching Band was the first Big Ten Conference 
Band to appear at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Travelling to 
Los Angeles in 1973, the Michigan Band was the first collegiate band to 
perform at a Super Bowl. In 1983, the Band was honored as the first 
recipient of the Louis Sudler Trophy, an award given annually to a 
college marching band of particular distinction and excellence.
  Longtime Michigan radio announcer Bob Ufer declared that ``the four 
most anticipated words on a football Saturday in Ann Arbor'' were 
``Band take the field!'' The spirit and energy the Band brings to each 
football game is a source of great pride to all Michigan fans. There is 
nothing that can equal the experience of being at Michigan Stadium and 
joining ``all the Maize and Blue Faithful in a rousing chorus of ``The 
Victors,'' as the Band marches down the field forming the Block ``M''.
  A source of inspiration for all of the University of Michigan family, 
we offer the heartiest thanks and congratulations to the Michigan 
Marching Band as they celebrate their Centennial Season.

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