[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 52 (Thursday, March 29, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E498]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      COMMEMORATING THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE B 1 U.S. NAVY BAND

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MELVIN L. WATT

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 29, 2012

  Mr. WATT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to make sure that we acknowledge 
in the Congressional Record the 70th Anniversary of a group of African-
American World War II Navy Veterans known as the B-1 United States Navy 
Band.
  The B-1 United States Navy Band was formed in 1942 and was comprised 
of talented African-American musicians, many of whom were from North 
Carolina, who were among the first African-Americans to serve in the 
modern U.S. Navy in roles other than kitchen staff positions. Most of 
the Band's approximately forty-four original members were affiliated 
with North Carolina A&T State University, which is located in 
Greensboro, North Carolina in my congressional district. The Band was 
stationed at the U.S. Navy's Pre-Flight Training School in Chapel Hill, 
North Carolina and provided musical entertainment to pilot trainees 
during World War II. In 1944 the Band was transferred to sea duty in 
Hawaii and continued to perform for military personnel and civilians 
for the duration of the war.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting the members 
of the B-1 U.S. Navy Band for their service to our country and to join 
me in commemorating the Band's 70th Anniversary which will be 
celebrated on April 14, 2012 on the campus of North Carolina A&T State 
University.

                          ____________________