[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 103 (Thursday, June 25, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E987-E988]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          CELEBRATING THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ESSEX TROOP

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                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 25, 2015

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor The Essex Troop 
for their dedicated service as they celebrate their 125th Anniversary.
  The Essex Troop was established at a meeting on June 3, 1890, with 
the goal of creating a cavalry troop. For one hundred and twenty-five 
years the troop has been working hard to serve the military needs of 
the State of New Jersey and the United States of America.
  At the founding meeting, officers were elected to lead the newly 
established troop. Colonel James E. Fleming, Second Lieutenant R. Wayne 
Parker, First Sergeant Charles Heath, Quartermaster Sergeant Frederick 
B Young, and First Lieutenant Frederick Frelinghuysen were elected. The 
troop was originally composed of forty members including the officers. 
Colonel Fleming immediately began training the troops to protect and 
defend the state and the nation.
  Originally, the Essex Troop operated out of a privately owned armory. 
By 1903, however, the Troop outgrew this facility. It was then the 
Troop moved into its current location. The Armory, which was designed 
by a member of the Essex Troop, sits on 30 acres of land in West Orange 
and was furnished entirely by the Troopers themselves. It was here that 
they became renowned for their equestrian abilities, regularly hosting 
horse shows and polo matches that eventually gained national attention. 
The Troop also hosted a number of balls here over the years. This 
Armory is still in use today, and is where the members of the Essex 
Troop keep their traditions alive.
  The Essex troop has responded to several riots and natural disasters 
that have occurred in New Jersey as well as other states throughout the 
nation. They have participated in many events and ceremonies, including 
parades, escort services, marches, and statue dedications.
  On June 18, 1902 the troop reported for active duty in response to 
the textile strikes in

[[Page E988]]

Paterson, New Jersey. The strikes had gotten out of hand and the troop 
patrolled for ten days, walking the streets during the evening to 
ensure law and order. During World War I, the troop was called into 
duty to serve our nation. They have also had the responsibility for 
guarding the Mexican border.
  The troop served as the personal escort for President William 
McKinley's Vice President, Garret A. Hobart of Paterson, New Jersey. 
They were also charged with transferring President Ulysses Grant's tomb 
to New York City. The troop served as the honor guard and escort for 
Presidents Theodore Roosevelt, William Taft, and Woodrow Wilson. At the 
inauguration ceremony for each Governor of New Jersey, the Essex Troop 
serves as part of the honor guard.
  Mr. Speaker please join me in honoring the Essex Troop and its 
members for their one hundred and twenty-five years of service and 
dedication to the State of New Jersey and the United States of America.

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