[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 104 (Thursday, June 20, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E804]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNITION OF THE MARCHING COBRAS FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY

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                          HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 20, 2019

  Mr. CLEAVER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the fiftieth 
anniversary of the Marching Cobras. It is my distinct honor to 
congratulate this prestigious drill team on fifty years of success. 
Throughout my public life, I have been pleased to see this organization 
grow in number and recognition.
  In a time when Kansas City was experiencing a lull in our rich and 
vibrant music scene, the Marching Cobras provided vitality and energy 
by enthusiastically marching in the style of Mr. Willie Arthur Smith. 
They played a pivotal role in maintaining our city's reputation as a 
musical and cultural hub . It is my great pleasure to recognize the 
Marching Cobras' students and leaders, past, present, and future. Their 
dedication has made this organization what it is today. The Marching 
Cobras reflect the vibrant community they represent and add bright 
colors to the rich historical fabric of Kansas City.
  Concerned with the lack of productive activities available to 
students, Mr. Willie Arthur Smith saw an opportunity to provide his 
community with the means to both keep students off the streets and 
share his passion for marching. While teaching at Lincoln Junior High, 
Smith taught a group of his students a dance called the Madison Line 
for an all-student talent show. This simple act marked the birth of the 
Marching Cobras. Since 1969, the Marching Cobras have risen to a place 
of international recognition and continue their legacy of excellence. 
They have won national competitions and performed in events like the 
American Royal and the Cotton Bowl. They have even played prestigious 
venues from Nice, France to the White House.
  With every performance, the Marching Cobras act as ambassadors of 
Kansas City and represent our city with pride. The dedication of the 
students and leaders shows a devotion to constant, beneficial 
improvement. It is this demonstration of excellence that engenders a 
desire for progress in every community that the Marching Cobras touch. 
I look forward to seeing the Marching Cobras' legacy continue to grow. 
They provide students with a means for accomplishment and gaining 
valuable skills. If it were not for people like Willie Arthur Smith and 
other Marching Cobra leaders, hundreds of students would not have the 
ability to participate in this vibrant and meaningful experience.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring the Marching Cobras' 
fiftieth anniversary of bringing music, pride, and recognition to the 
community. On behalf of myself and the entire Fifth Congressional 
District of Missouri, it is my joy to congratulate the Marching Cobras 
on this significant milestone and wish them even greater success in the 
years to come.

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