[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 185 (Thursday, December 10, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2956]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                A TRIBUTE TO MR. FRANK G. FORGIONE, SR.

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                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 10, 2009

  Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a longtime 
constituent of mine, Frank G. Forgione, Sr., for his outstanding 
dedication to music, service, and country.
  From his earliest days, Frank--the son of two musicians--demonstrated 
an appreciation and recognition of the power of music. At age 11 he 
began studying music with Frank Holt, a percussionist for noted 
bandmaster and composer John Philip Sousa. At the encouragement of his 
instructors, he auditioned and was accepted into the Navy School of 
Music here in Washington in 1938.
  In December 1941, Frank was stationed at Pearl Harbor aboard the USS 
Oglala. During the attack of December 7, the Oglala fell victim to the 
Japanese attack and sank. Fortunately, Frank was able to make it to a 
dock. He often said that every day he lived after that was a gift.
  In 1951, he became head of the percussion department at his alma 
mater, the Navy School of Music. Just 10 years later, he founded and 
led the U.S. Navy Special Show Band--the first Navy Show Band--on a 
tour in South America. Called the Navy's Goodwill Ambassadors, the band 
toured through South America during a period of unrest.
  When the band encountered anti-American sentiment or threats at their 
shows, Frank directed the band to perform, believing that the 
universality of music would be enough to win over the crowd. More often 
than not, his instincts proved correct. The band went on to make 
several more tours throughout South America and the rest of the world.
  Frank Forgione's service did not go unnoticed. He became the first 
musician since John Philip Sousa to receive the Secretary of the Navy's 
Commendation Medal.
  In 1972, Frank retired with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer. 
Retirement did not ebb his desire to serve. Inspired by his tours in 
South America, Frank dedicated himself to relieving the poverty he 
witnessed while on the continent. For the next 16 years, he enlisted 
many national corporations to donate food, educational materials, 
medicine, and other essential supplies to help improve the living 
conditions for those less fortunate.
  In addition, Frank continued fulfilling his love of music. He created 
the Fort Washington Continentals, an award-winning youth drum corps 
located in Prince Georges County. The corps was selected to lead 
Washington's Bicentennial Parade.
  At age 70, Frank became bandmaster for the New York Military Academy 
in Cornwall-on-Hudson, touring extensively throughout the United 
States, Europe, and Australia. While there he was given the honorary 
rank of Army Colonel. He retired again in 2005 at the age of 87. Though 
Frank passed away on July 27, 2009, it is undeniable that his spirit 
and appreciation for music have remained with those he touched 
throughout his life.
  Madam Speaker, Frank G. Forgione, Sr. was blessed with the gift of 
music and committed to serving others. He helped to make the U.S. Navy, 
the State of Maryland, and communities throughout the world a better 
place. I urge my colleagues to join with me in paying tribute to this 
extraordinary individual for a life well lived and in offering 
sincerest condolences to his friends and family on their loss.

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