[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12924]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE PLYMOUTH FIFE AND DRUM CORPS

                                  _____
                                 

                       HON. THADDEUS G. McCOTTER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 12, 2011

  Mr. McCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor and acknowledge the 
Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps based in Plymouth, Michigan as they 
celebrate 40 years of service to our community and our country.
  Formed in November 1971 by Mark and Carol Petty, the Plymouth Fife 
and Drum Corps is not only the first fife and drum corps in Michigan, 
but the first fife and drum corps in the entire Midwest. Corps members 
aged 12-18 are dedicated to the preservation of the arts of color 
guard, fifing, and drumming through performances at parades, historical 
and patriotic celebrations, and other civic events.
  Each year the Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps embarks on an eight to ten 
day tour to visit and perform at historical sites. The group prides 
itself on a celebrated history, having performed at sites of historical 
importance in the personal life and military career of George 
Washington during its silver anniversary year of 1996. The crowning 
moment of the tour was receiving a standing ovation after a performance 
for the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, the official ceremonial unit of 
the Army, and escort to the President. The Old Guard has long served as 
a model for the Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps.
  Mr. Speaker, for 40 years the Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps has 
maintained a prominent presence in the Metropolitan Detroit area and 
traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada to 
preserve our nation's musical heritage. Today, I ask my colleagues to 
join me in congratulating the storied members and alumni of the 
Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps, and in recognizing their four decades of 
patriotic inspiration and loyal service to our community and our 
country.

                          ____________________