[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 37 (Friday, March 11, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E463-E464]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING JOSEPH GIROLAMO

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. THADDEUS G. McCOTTER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 11, 2011

  Mr. McCOTTER Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor and acknowledge 
Joseph Girolamo, a remarkable Michigan citizen and esteemed veteran, 
upon his 90th birthday.
  Born on March 9, 1921 in New York City, Joseph Girolamo is the oldest 
of seven children born to Pellegrino and Mary Girolamo. Pellegrino came 
to the United States as an immigrant from Benevento, Italy during World 
War I and served in the Army. The young family moved to Detroit when 
Joe was a toddler. Growing up in Detroit, Joseph Girolamo has made 
Livonia his home for the last 58 years.
  Joseph Girolamo has always been active in his community. As a 
youngster Joe sold newspapers on the street corners of Detroit. He 
became a Boy Scout and a proud member of the Junior ROTC in high 
school. Young Joe joined the army during World War II and served 
honorably as a staff sergeant of General George Patton's 7th Army in 
the European Theatre of Africa, France and Italy. It was during his 
time in the service that Joe, given his penchant for taking ``creative 
liberties'' on the interpretation of music as the camp bugler, became 
known as the ``Boogie Woogie Bugler.''
  When World War II, ended Joseph came home to begin a 32-year career 
with Ford Motor Company, working in the Tool and Die Division and 
holding the position of committeeman. Joe also became a very 
accomplished bugler. He served as Drum Major for the Wayne County 
Council and the Detroit Edison Lamplighter Drum and Bugle Corps. Joseph 
has written drill and instructed many marching units in both the United 
States and Canada.
  During his service as an instructor he trained a women's drum and 
bugle corps where he met Lillian Paananen. Finding a genuine harmony, 
Joseph and Lillian were married on June 12, 1951. The Girolamos quite 
literally made beautiful music as both became state champion buglers 
and Joseph become a national champion bugler. On June 5, 1957 Joe and 
Lillian became parents to daughter Joyce Arlene and their family was 
complete. After celebrating 40 years of marriage in June of 1991, 
Joseph's beloved Lillian succumbed to leukemia in October of that year.
  Joseph Girolamo continues to be involved in his community through 
various veterans' programs. He is the JR. VICE of VFW Post 3941 and the 
Patriotic Instructor for American Legion Post 32, both in Livonia. 
Major Joe teaches flag etiquette to the Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Girl 
Scouts and Brownies. He volunteers as a marching and drill instructor 
with the Livonia Churchill High School Junior ROTC. Major Joe is also a 
popular speaker at local schools as he shares his involvement and 
experiences during World War II.
  Mr. Speaker, for 90 years Joseph Girolamo has graced the world with 
his kindness, patriotic dedication, hard work, and community spirit. 
Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Joseph Girolamo 
upon

[[Page E464]]

reaching his 90th birthday on March 9, 2011, and to honor his heartfelt 
commitment and brave service to his community and his country.

                          ____________________