[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 103 (Friday, June 16, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E841-E842]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING THE MATTATUCK DRUM BAND

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELIZABETH H. ESTY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 16, 2017

  Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
Mattatuck Drum Band, which this week commemorates the 250th Anniversary 
of its founding. This band is our nation's oldest continuously active 
fife and drum band and is a celebrated institution of our Waterbury, 
Connecticut community.
  The Mattatuck Drum Band was founded in 1767, and over the past two 
and a half centuries, the band has been an invaluable group in 
supporting our country's battles and preserving the heritage of our 
state and country. The band was first formed to play martial music for 
military training exercises in the towns of Farmington and Waterbury. 
The fifers and drummers were some of the earliest patriots to join the 
American Revolution in the spring of 1775, at a time when musicians and 
drummers were instrumental in maintaining order and routine for 
military camps.
  The band joined many parades in support of President Lincoln's 1860 
campaign, and then joined recruiting efforts to support the Union's 
fight in the Civil War. Almost a century later during World War II, 
despite gas rationing and the deployment of many members, the band 
still turned out to play in parades to support our country's service 
members and maintain solidarity during a difficult time for the 
country. Today, the dedicated members of the band keep musical 
tradition alive, and the band's performances are an essential part of 
our community's celebrations.

[[Page E842]]

  Mr. Speaker, the Mattatuck Drum Band celebrates our history in 
Connecticut and America, and its dedicated musicians and leaders have 
preserved an important part of our community's heritage for the past 
250 years. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor the band 
and everyone who has ensured its preservation and success here today.