[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 24 (Tuesday, February 14, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E191]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF THE ALBANY MARINE BAND--MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE, 
                            ALBANY, GEORGIA

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 14, 2012

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute one of our 
nation's most prestigious and accomplished United States Marine Corps 
bands--the Albany Marine Band stationed at the Marine Corps Logistics 
Base in Albany, Georgia. After 22 years of distinguished service, 
members of the Albany Marine Band will be performing a farewell concert 
on Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at the Albany Municipal Auditorium at 7 
p.m. in Albany, Georgia.
  The farewell concert has been titled ``Thanks for the Memories'' and 
admission to the event is free. The musical performance will feature 
many of the band's greatest hits from over the last several years, 
including many of the group's most notable award-winning pieces.
  Mr. Speaker, last December, amid budgetary constraints, it was 
announced by the Marine Corps Headquarters in Washington, D.C., that 
the Albany Marine Band would be cut along with the Marine Corps band 
stationed at Twentynine Palms, California. Although their mission is 
coming to an end, the Albany Marine Band's legacy of musical excellence 
will not soon be forgotten.
  Over the last couple decades, the members of the Albany Marine Band 
have honorably represented our country and been recognized repeatedly 
for their harmonious innovations and inspiring melodic renditions. In 
December of 2003, the band was awarded the distinguished Commander in 
Chief Installation Excellence Award. This prestigious award recognized 
the members of the Albany Marine Band for their pride and commitment in 
performing their duties.
  In 2010 and 2011, the Albany Marine Band was recognized as the United 
States Marine Corps Band of the Year. Additionally, in 2011, the band 
also received the ``Best Live Recording Award'' in a competition among 
the twelve United States Marine Corps bands.
  Due to their musical excellence, the Albany Marine Band has performed 
at locations throughout the United States and around the world. The 
band has traveled more than fifty thousand miles to perform over one 
hundred commitments in destinations such as Essex Junction, Vermont; 
New Orleans, Louisiana; San Antonio, Texas; and the Statue of Liberty 
in Liberty, New York. It is also worth noting that the Albany Marine 
Band was given the great honor of being selected to represent the 
United States in 2004 as it performed for the Changing of the Guard at 
the Citadel in Quebec City, Canada.
  The Albany Marine Band has also performed for nationwide audiences 
during performances on Good Morning America and at the Outback Bowl in 
Tampa, Florida.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in applauding the 
exceptional musical achievements and patriotic commitment of the 
members of the Albany Marine Band. These fine men and women have served 
as excellent ambassadors for our country and the United States Marine 
Corps and I will remain eternally grateful to them for their many 
noteworthy accomplishments and selfless acts of service.

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