Pennsylvania SR 307: A Resolution recognizing The United States Army Field Band for its participation in the ceremonial meeting of the Pennsylvania Senate that will convene on May 5, 2026, at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia as part of the United States Semiquincentennial.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 1686
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No. 307
Session of
2026
INTRODUCED BY YAW, MASTRIANO AND PENNYCUICK, MAY 4, 2026
INTRODUCED AND ADOPTED, MAY 4, 2026
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing The United States Army Field Band for its
participation in the ceremonial meeting of the Pennsylvania
Senate that will convene on May 5, 2026, at the National
Constitution Center in Philadelphia as part of the United
States Semiquincentennial.
WHEREAS, The United States Army Field Band, known as the
Musical Ambassadors of the Army, has graciously accepted the
invitation to participate in the ceremonial meeting of the
Pennsylvania Senate that will convene on May 5, 2026, at the
National Constitution Center; and
WHEREAS, While musical excellence has always been its
standard, The United States Army Field Band has not always been
its name; and
WHEREAS, Near the end of World War II, Chief Warrant Officer
Chester E. Whiting returned from overseas duty to help organize
the 1st Combat Infantry Band at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland;
and
WHEREAS, Composed entirely of soldiers with musical talents
who had served in combat in all theaters of the war, the band
began an immediate mission of bolstering support for their
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fellow soldiers; and
WHEREAS, Initially, the band toured for a year and a half
performing in community outreach concerts that also supported
the sale of War Bonds, and its success earned the band the
unofficial title "The Million Dollar Band"; and
WHEREAS, In 1946, General Jacob Devers, commander of the Army
Ground Forces, commissioned Chief Whiting to "organize a band
that will carry into the grassroots of our country the story of
our magnificent Army, its glorious traditions and achievements";
and
WHEREAS, The 1st Combat Infantry Band became The Army Ground
Forces Band and performed in the nation's capital and toured
extensively around the United States; and
WHEREAS, The Army Ground Forces became the Army Field Forces
in 1948, and consequently the band's name was changed to The
United States Army Field Band in 1950; and
WHEREAS, The United States Army Field Band proudly continues
to uphold its mission to develop positive connections on behalf
of the United States Army, the Department of Defense and the
United States through live music and multimedia performances,
media, television productions and emergent technologies; and
WHEREAS, The United States Army Field Band brings a diverse
musical repertoire to international, national and local
audiences; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
recognize The United States Army Field Band for its
participation in the ceremonial meeting of the Pennsylvania
Senate that will convene on May 5, 2026, at the National
Constitution Center in Philadelphia as part of the United States
Semiquincentennial; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That the Senate of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
sincerely thank The United States Army Field Band for
participating in the ceremonial meeting commemorating the
nation's 250th anniversary; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to
Lieutenant Colonel Domingos Robinson, Commander, The United
States Army Field Band.
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