[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 113 (Tuesday, July 26, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1411]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING HARMONY SENIOR DRUM CORPS'S 125TH ANNIVERSARY

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                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 26, 2011

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Harmony Senior 
Drum Corps, a non-profit band group based in the Town of Boonton, New 
Jersey, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year.
  The Harmony Senior Drum Corps traces its origins back to St. Mary's 
Flute and Drum Band, organized in 1886 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel 
Church in Boonton, New Jersey. Originally founded as an all-male group, 
one of the St. Mary's Flute and Drum Band's most memorable events was 
its participation in the parade to dedicate the New Jersey State 
Firemen's Home in 1900. During World War I, trumpets were added to the 
band and its name was changed to the Harmony Fife and Drum Corps when 
it started practicing in the Harmony Engine House in Boonton. After 
bells were added in the 1930's, the name was again changed, this time 
to the Harmony Fife, Drum and Trumpet Corps. It was not until 1965 that 
Harmony Senior Drum Corps became the group's official name.
  Over the years, the group has participated in many grand events in 
Boonton. The Harmony Senior Drum Corps has welcomed home veterans from 
both World Wars and the Gulf War, played at the celebration of 
Boonton's Centennial and the United States' Bicentennial in 1976, and 
the passing of the Olympic Torch. Additionally, the Harmony Senior Drum 
Corps has participated in local parade competitions, earning its first 
marching trophy in 1961 at a competition in Denville, New Jersey.
  The Harmony Senior Drum Corps has not restricted itself to local 
events. Their members have marched in New York City for the St. 
Patrick's Day, Salute to Israel and Puerto Rican Day parades. In 1976, 
the Corps played at Yankee Stadium during the World Series between the 
Cincinnati Reds and the New York Yankees.
  In 1988, the Harmony Senior Drum Corps opened up membership to women 
in order to increase their membership. Many generations of the same 
family play and have played in the group. Presently, 50 members between 
the ages of 10 and 70 march, performing with fifes, bells, trumpets, 
baritones, drums and cymbals, as well as a color guard, while wearing 
distinct black and white West Point style uniforms.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating 
the members of the Harmony Senior Drum Corps as they celebrate 125 
years of providing our community with wonderful music and performances.

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