[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 7]
[Senate]
[Page 10008]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                       TRIBUTE TO LOUIS ARMENTARO

 Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, in honor of Independence Day, I 
wish to recognize Louis Armentaro of Park County. Louis is an Army 
veteran, having served as an infantryman in the 442nd Regimental Combat 
Team during World War II. We celebrate our independence and freedom 
because of people like Louis, who selflessly put himself in harm's way, 
fighting against tyranny for his country.
  Over the Fourth of July weekend, I will have the privilege to honor 
Louis and watch him announce his 68th Livingston Roundup Parade. Louis 
started this tradition back in 1949, when he returned to Montana after 
serving in World War II. During his time in the special services in 
Japan, Louis delighted in running audio for his fellow soldiers at the 
GI theatre, ball games, and parades. He is in the Guinness Book of 
World Records as the ``most durable rodeo parade announcer.'' His 
passion for western swing and its ability to transport people inspired 
him to start Sound Over the West audio and announcing when he returned 
home.
  As a child, Louis grew up with a passion for authentic country music. 
Not only is he one of the greatest curators of this style in Montana, 
he is also one of the most revered pedal steel guitar players in the 
country music community. In the early 1950s, Louis, his brother Frank 
Armentaro, and their friend Oscar Bergsing started the Rhythm Ramblers, 
one of the longest living bands in Montana. For decades, they created a 
soundtrack for countless swing dancers across the State. While 
performances from the group are extremely rare today, Louis continues 
to play his steel guitar every morning. At 91 years old, he is one of 
the most experienced steel guitar players alive.
  Louis, with the support of his devoted wife, Donna, has become a 
pillar in the Livingston community. Not only have the couple raised and 
fostered an estimated 30 children, they are an indispensable part of 
the Livingston Roundup Rodeo. For many cowboys and cowgirls, this event 
is known as Cowboy Christmas; Louis Armentaro is their Santa Claus. He 
is the dependable voice and orchestrator and is the most recognizable 
attraction in the rodeo parade. During the parade and the rodeo, Louis 
blares his curated collection of western swing music. For the last six 
decades, he has introduced people of all ages to sounds of American 
country and the history these songs can teach.
  I am proud to honor this unique man for his service to his community 
and our country.

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