[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 9 (Wednesday, January 11, 2023)]
[House]
[Pages H192-H193]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1645
                        REMEMBERING FRANK EMOND

  (Mr. GAETZ asked and was given permission to address the House for 1

[[Page H193]]

minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. GAETZ. Mr. Speaker, last night, Florida's First Congressional 
District lost an American hero who endured the tragedy of Pearl 
Harbor--Chief Warrant Officer Frank Emond.
  In 1938, Frank enlisted in the Navy as a French horn player where he 
went on to become band director. On December 7, 1941, Frank was 
preparing to play ``Morning Colors'' on the USS Pennsylvania when at 
7:55 a.m., a line of Japanese planes came from the east with a surprise 
attack on Pearl Harbor.
  Frank boldly walked to the conductor stand, picked up his baton, and 
proceeded to direct the band in ``The Stars and Stripes Forever.''
  Frank Emond was a true patriot who deeply impacted the lives that he 
touched doing what he loved to do: music.
  Frank led the Pensacola Civic Band, the U.S. Air Force Band's Airmen 
of Note, and currently holds the Guinness World Record as the world's 
oldest conductor.
  My greatest condolences to Frank Emond's family.
  Thank you, Frank, for being an American hero. Your legacy is woven 
into the history of this country and this Congress.

                          ____________________