[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 4 (Thursday, January 27, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E17-E18]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE FLAMING ARROW MARCHING BAND

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ROY BLUNT

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 27, 2000

  Mr. BLUNT. Mr. Speaker, during our past winter holiday recess tens of 
thousands of

[[Page E18]]

high school and college marching band members packed themselves on 
vans, buses, trains and planes around this country to travel to another 
city to appear at one of the many holiday bowl games. For many people 
who watched the games, the only effort was the apparent one of the 
performances they saw on the football field during a pre-game or a 
half-time show.
  What we don't see at the game or on television begins during the hot 
summer with long hours of practice followed by interminable fund 
raising efforts. It's learning to perform as part of a team; it's 
creating pride in a group; it's learning perseverance in pursuing a 
goal; it's learning the importance of having a dream. And they aren't 
alone in their efforts. Their dedication is supported and encouraged by 
parents, relatives, friends, teachers, music directors and community 
leaders that culminate in that performance. It's not just the band that 
marches onto the football field, but all those who have worked to see 
that they could be there.
  I rise today to offer special recognition for the Flaming Arrow 
Marching Band of the Strafford Missouri High School. Incidentally, I am 
proud to call Strafford home.
  The 76 member band under the direction of Shane Harmon was one of ten 
bands invited to the inaugural edition of the Mobile Alabama Bowl. 
Besides providing pre-game and half-time performances, the band was 
involved in competition earning the coveted first place over-all award, 
as well as first place trophies in the solo, marching, jazz and color 
guard categories.
  I know my colleagues in the Congress will join me in extending their 
congratulations to the Flaming Arrow Marching Band members, their 
families and their director, not only for the quality of their 
performance and awards, but for their dedication to achieving an 
important goal.

                          ____________________