[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 104 (Monday, June 22, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E594]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING THE UNFORGETTABLE BIG BAND

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SCOTT PERRY

                            of Pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 22, 2026

  Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, I'm proud to recognize the Unforgettable Big 
Band's ``Freedom is Not Free'' celebration of our Nation's 250th 
Birthday.
  The Unforgettable Big Band originally formed in 2000, in the York, 
Pennsylvania area, for the simple joy of playing music for the local 
community; however, its reputation quickly grew. Within a couple of 
years, the Lake Meade Homeowners Association invited the Band to 
perform at the annual charity fundraiser dance, marking the Band's 
first public appearance. Their overwhelming success turned the 
performance into a bi-annual tradition that occurs to this day. As word 
about the Band continued to spread, they began performing more 
frequently across the York area. Proceeds from performances for local 
charities and churches enabled the Band to invest in a sound system and 
stage lighting, further elevating their shows and performances. Many of 
the Band's early performances focused on World War II Veterans' reunion 
events--an important tradition the Band upholds as long as surviving 
Veterans are able to attend. In 2019, the Central Pennsylvania Music 
Hall of Fame was formed to recognize and support bands and music in 
Central Pennsylvania. In January 2020, the Unforgettable Big Band won 
``Best Ensemble,'' and followed that win with a ``Cover-To-Cover'' 
award in 2021, for the song ``Fighter,'' which was written to benefit 
the Four Diamonds Foundation's support of families of children with 
cancer at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Children's Hospital.
  On July 3, the Unforgettable Big Band will host ``Freedom is Not 
Free,'' a World War II-themed USO-Canteen Swing Dance at York's 
Valencia Ballroom, to honor our Veterans--past and present--and our 
community's First Responders, and the unique role that York County has 
played in the history of our Nation, All profits from this event will 
benefit charitable local causes supporting Veterans and First 
Responders.
  Mr. Speaker, I'm honored and privileged to recognize the 
Unforgettable Big Band and their ``Freedom is Not Free'' celebration of 
America's 250th Birthday. From the early days of the Continental 
Congress, to the York Plan that helped achieve the Allied victory, to 
end World War II, York County has made an enormous mark on American 
history, and on behalf of the Citizens of the 10th Congressional 
District, I commend the Unforgettable Big Band for its service to our 
Nation and Veterans, and am proud that this memorable and historic 
celebration will occur in our local community.

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