[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 78 (Thursday, June 13, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1030]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO BANDA ESCOLAR DE GUAYANILLA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 12, 2002

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to 
pay tribute to the Banda Escolar De Guayanilla, a specular band of 
young people from Guayanilla, Puerto Rico who will play in the 44th 
annual National Puerto Rican Parade. The legendary parade, to be held 
on June 9th in New York City, is the largest celebration of Puerto 
Rican culture in the United States.
  This year, I have the distinct honor of being the parade's Grand 
Marshall. I can not express how much I appreciate this honor. I am 
especially proud to be Grand Marshall of the parade this year, because 
it will be the Banda Escolar De Guayanilla's fifth year participating. 
This exceptional band marched in the parade in 1987, 1988, 1990, and 
1992.
  Mr. Speaker, the Banda Escolar De Guayanilla is made up of about 200 
students from Guayanilla who spend nearly all of their spare time in 
rigorous practice, doing drills to improve their performance. These 
young people are exceptionally talented and have been recognized 
throughout the country for their precise marching, discipline, and 
excellent presentation. Not only must these young people hone such 
difficult skills and travel all over the country to march, they must 
maintain their schoolwork as well. As a result, they develop unmatched 
time-management skills and self-discipline at a young age. Only the 
best march in this band and that is why they have been singled out so 
many times.
  In 1998, the Banda Escolar De Guayanilla became the first Latin 
American band to march in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, perhaps 
the most famous parade in the world. They also participated in the 
well-known Tournament of Roses Parade in 2001. Along with these major 
accomplishments, the Banda Escolar De Guayanilla has marched in the 
Walt Disney World Parade in Orlando, the Thanksgiving Parade in 
Philadelphia, and dozens of parades throughout Latin America.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to please join me in honoring the 
Banda Escolar De Guayanilla, a marching band of dedicated youth who 
will grace this year's Puerto Rican Day Parade.

                          ____________________