[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 93 (Thursday, July 11, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S6645]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page S6645]]
                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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              HONORING THE COMPANY OF FIFERS AND DRUMMERS

 Mr. DODD. Madam President, I rise to recognize the outstanding 
contributions of The Company of Fifers and Drummers to the people of 
Connecticut and beyond. The largest organization of its kind in the 
Western world, The Company has both increased awareness of fife and 
drum history and fostered communication amongst corps worldwide. I 
would like to take the opportunity to commend its hard work and 
numerous achievements over the years.
  Rooted in early American musical tradition, The Company of Fifers and 
Drummers is a nonprofit organization founded in 1965. The historical 
significance of The Company is evidenced through the early 
establishment of various corps dating back to the 1760s and 1800s. 
Throughout its existence, The Company has broadened corps membership 
beyond Connecticut and New England to include an impressive 150 corps 
worldwide, including corps in Europe and along the Pacific coast. In 
addition to showcasing fife and drum music and history, The Company 
organizes all activities for member corps, both inside and outside the 
United States.
  The efforts of The Company of Fifers and Drummers extends far beyond 
musical events and fellowship. The commitment of this organization to 
the art of fife and drum is also evidenced through its creation of the 
Museum of Fife and Drum in Ivoryton, CT. Since 1987, the museum has 
serviced the community by providing access to artifacts, including 
eighteenth and nineteenth century instruments and uniforms, a music and 
video library, as well as an extensive archives. The Company is 
certainly worthy of praise for its efforts in maintaining the only 
museum devoted to fife and drum to date.
  As the fife and drum first appeared in the early colonies, The 
Company of Fifers and Drummers is a reminder of the importance of our 
history as Americans. While the drum arrived in America with the first 
English settlers, the fife was introduced in the colonies during the 
French and Indian War. By 1775, the year of the Lexington Alarm, most 
colonial regiments were comprised of fifers and drummers. The spirit of 
patriotism rooted in the Company is a great example for all Americans.
  I am proud to honor The Company of Fifers and Drummers for its 
remarkable service and accomplishments over the past 30 years. My 
experience with The Company, most recently at the Eight Mile River 
Dedication Ceremony in East Haddam, CT, has proved both enlightening 
and inspiring. I wish to show my appreciation for its outstanding 
contributions to society, and I wish The Company continued success in 
the future.

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