[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 16]
[Senate]
[Page 21408]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       THIRTEEN YARDS TO VICTORY

 Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, throughout American history, music 
has always been a harbinger of social change. I experienced it first 
hand during the 1960s and early 1970s when a generation of Americans 
began marching--marching for civil rights, social justice, and an end 
to the Vietnam war. For many Americans, that period of our country's 
history comes with its own soundtrack.
  That is why it is so encouraging to me to see what is happening with 
the Thirteen Yards To Victory, a band from my home State of 
Massachusetts. This remarkable group of young people is dedicated to 
helping others. They are donating all the profits from their upcoming 
release of American Dreamers to benefit arts and music education 
programs across the country. They are setting a wonderful example for 
their peers--showing them that everybody has the capacity to make a 
positive difference in their very own way. Because of what they are 
doing, more of our youth will be able to enjoy and learn about the arts 
and develop their own skills.
  This, really, is nothing new for the members of Thirteen Yards To 
Victory--Anthony DiPerri, Vinny Prezioso, Thomas Iannello, Ryan 
Passariello, and Dave Rossi. This is only the latest occasion in which 
they have been recognized for their dedication to others and their 
unique approaches which makes their projects so successful.
  They are not alone in such efforts, however. Volunteers in our 
community play an invaluable role in helping those in need and 
strengthening the foundation of our society. In fact, nearly 62 million 
Americans volunteered at some point last year. I am particularly 
encouraged by the increase in the number of young people who are 
connecting with their communities and volunteering their time. Thirteen 
Yards To Victory is just one example of what is happening all across 
the country.
  I wish Anthony, Vinny, Thomas, Ryan, and Dave all the best with 
American Dreamers. I hope it makes American Dreamers out of us all. And 
I hope their music will be a part of the soundtrack of the social 
change taking place in America today.

                          ____________________