May 15, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 81 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E596]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        PURDUE MARCHING BAND'S 100TH PERFORMANCE AT THE INDY 500

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                          HON. JAMES R. BAIRD

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 15, 2019

  Mr. BAIRD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th 
performance of Purdue University's ``All-American'' Marching Band at 
the Indy 500, along with Director of Bands Jay Gephart becoming 
president of the prestigious American Bandmasters Association.
   This year marks the 100th anniversary of the band performing pop 
tunes, patriotic songs, and Indy 500 ceremonial music like ``God Bless 
America'' and ``Back Home Again in Indiana.'' The band builds the 
sound, color and emotion leading to the start of the race, thrilling 
fans for the past century.
   The All-American band has become part of the fabric of the 
``Greatest Spectacle in Racing.'' Nearly 300 members pay their own way 
each year to return to the Indy 500 from around the United States to 
perform on the track and under the Pagoda.
   They also invite high school bands from across the Midwest to 
participate in the Parade of Bands that has marched around the course 
before the start of the race since 1922 and have appeared in every 
nationally televised IPL 500 Festival Parade since its debut in 1957.
   Thanks to Director of Bands Jay Gephart, Purdue's participation in 
one of Indiana's most storied traditions has held strong at the 
``Racing Capitol of the World.'' I congratulate every band member--
former and current--and Director Gephart on their remarkable 
achievements.

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