[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 123 (Wednesday, September 18, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1334]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING MR. WILLIAM ``POPSIE'' THOMPSON AND ``THE WORLD FAMOUS 
                          RAINBOW CRUSADERS''

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 18, 2013

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of 
one of my most distinguished constituents, Mr. William ``Popsie'' 
Thompson, and the young people who work with him as part of ``The World 
Famous Rainbow Crusaders'' community musical group. A gifted performer, 
he uses his talents and abilities to keep our children safe and prepare 
them for a brighter future.
  In 1986, Popsie noticed a group of bored children gathering around 
his tailor shop in Sunrise, Florida. It occurred to him that what these 
kids needed was an activity to boost their self-esteem and academic 
potential. This inspired Popsie to form The World Famous Rainbow 
Crusaders, a diverse troupe of over 200 young singers and dancers 
ranging from ages 2 to 20.
  The group has since become a fixture at local celebrations and 
parades in the south Florida area, representing the community values of 
tolerance and racial harmony. Furthermore, they are the first drug 
awareness program to be officially recognized by the Boy Scouts of 
America. Popsie and his Crusaders have traveled throughout the country, 
with performances in Tennessee, Georgia, and Washington, DC being among 
their most notable appearances.
  Mr. Speaker, due to their continued efforts to promote the values of 
anti-drug use, education, and racial harmony, I am proud to recognize 
Popsie Thompson and The World Famous Rainbow Crusaders. Thanks to them, 
hundreds of children and young adults in south Florida have greater 
opportunities to excel and make a difference in their community.

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