[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 136 (Thursday, September 24, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S9836]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO THE WHIFFENPOOFS

 Mr. DODD. Mr. President, 100 years ago this winter, history 
was made at the old Mory's Bar on Temple Street in New Haven, CT, as 
Denton Fowler, James Merriam Howard, Carl Lohmann, Meade Minnigerode, 
and George Pomeroy formed an a cappella singing group known as the 
Whiffenpoofs of Yale University.
  The Whiffenpoofs, as every Yalie knows, are unsurpassed in talent and 
tradition. They are now the oldest continuously functioning collegiate 
a cappella singing group in the United States.
  Their history is rich and vibrant. During World War II, the brave men 
of the U.S. Army Air Force's Black Sheep Squadron adopted ``The 
Whiffenpoof Song'' as their theme song. And over the course of the 20th 
century, that famous tune has been recorded by such legendary artists 
as Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, and Elvis Presley.
  The Whiffenpoofs have inspired a cappella singing groups at colleges 
and secondary schools across America--in fact, there are now more than 
1,200 such groups entertaining audiences.
  But their influence is not limited by our borders. Each year, the 
Whiffenpoofs embark on an international tour, visiting foreign capitals 
and tiny villages, great palaces and humble churches, and U.S. 
Embassies around the world, spreading song and good will on behalf of 
Yale University and America's college students.
  Next month, Whiffenpoofs alumni from around the world will descend 
upon Yale to convene with the current group in celebration of the 
Whiffenpoofs' centennial. It is sure to be an occasion filled with good 
cheer, great music, and tremendous fellowship--the trademarks of this 
beloved Connecticut institution.
  Mr. President, I congratulate the Whiffenpoofs of Yale University on 
their centennial, I thank them for their many contributions to our 
Nation, and I look forward to another century of song and 
friendship.

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