[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 29, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1773] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] HONORING D.C.'S DIFFERENT DRUMMERS ______ HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON of the district of columbia in the house of representatives Tuesday, September 28, 2010 Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in celebrating D.C.'s Different Drummers on their 30th Anniversary of providing music and entertainment for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community in Washington, D.C. The marching band began with 9 members in the 1980s, but D.C.'s Different Drummers has grown in membership and is comprised of several marching bands that range from four to 74 players, including the Capitol Pride Symphonic Band, Capitol Pride Winds, DC Swing! big band, DCDD Marching Band, Pep Band, and several other ensembles. D.C.'s Different Drummers are committed to creating fine music and entertainment for the community. Their annual marches in the Capital Pride Parade and the Fourth of July Palisades Parade have received significant local attention over the years, but their march in the Inaugural Parade of President Barack Obama, as part of the Lesbian and Gay Band Association, brought national attention to their excellence as well. The D.C.'s Different Drummers have marched in Pride Parades in Baltimore, Harrisburg, Fredericksburg and Durham, Maryland. The community has benefited as well through their volunteer efforts, such as carrying banners, US/DC flags, and the like at parades. D.C.'s Different Drummers welcome not only non-gay members and non- musicians, but also encompass people of all races, cultures, and backgrounds. They hold open, weekly rehearsals. D.C.'s Different Drummers are truly a community-oriented band with respect for all. I have marched in Pride parades since coming to Congress to emphasize universal human rights and the importance of enacting federal legislation to secure the same rights for the LGBT community enjoyed by others. Congress has much work to do. We must pass the Family Leave Insurance Act, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act, the Respect for Marriage Act, the Safe Schools Improvement Act, the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, the Tax Equity for Health Plan Beneficiaries Act, the Family and Medical Leave Inclusion Act, the Uniting American Families Act, and the Responsible Education About Life Act. This year our Nation's capital joined Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire in extending equal marriage rights to its LGBT residents. Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in celebrating the D.C.'s Different Drummers on their 30th Anniversary. ____________________