[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1773]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING D.C.'S DIFFERENT DRUMMERS

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                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 28, 2010

  Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of 
Representatives to join me in celebrating D.C.'s Different Drummers on 
their 30th Anniversary of providing music and entertainment for the 
lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community in Washington, 
D.C.
  The marching band began with 9 members in the 1980s, but D.C.'s 
Different Drummers has grown in membership and is comprised of several 
marching bands that range from four to 74 players, including the 
Capitol Pride Symphonic Band, Capitol Pride Winds, DC Swing! big band, 
DCDD Marching Band, Pep Band, and several other ensembles.
  D.C.'s Different Drummers are committed to creating fine music and 
entertainment for the community. Their annual marches in the Capital 
Pride Parade and the Fourth of July Palisades Parade have received 
significant local attention over the years, but their march in the 
Inaugural Parade of President Barack Obama, as part of the Lesbian and 
Gay Band Association, brought national attention to their excellence as 
well. The D.C.'s Different Drummers have marched in Pride Parades in 
Baltimore, Harrisburg, Fredericksburg and Durham, Maryland.
  The community has benefited as well through their volunteer efforts, 
such as carrying banners, US/DC flags, and the like at parades.
  D.C.'s Different Drummers welcome not only non-gay members and non-
musicians, but also encompass people of all races, cultures, and 
backgrounds. They hold open, weekly rehearsals. D.C.'s Different 
Drummers are truly a community-oriented band with respect for all.
  I have marched in Pride parades since coming to Congress to emphasize 
universal human rights and the importance of enacting federal 
legislation to secure the same rights for the LGBT community enjoyed by 
others. Congress has much work to do. We must pass the Family Leave 
Insurance Act, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, the Domestic 
Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act, the Respect for Marriage Act, 
the Safe Schools Improvement Act, the Military Readiness Enhancement 
Act, the Tax Equity for Health Plan Beneficiaries Act, the Family and 
Medical Leave Inclusion Act, the Uniting American Families Act, and the 
Responsible Education About Life Act.
  This year our Nation's capital joined Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, and 
New Hampshire in extending equal marriage rights to its LGBT residents.
  Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in 
celebrating the D.C.'s Different Drummers on their 30th Anniversary.

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