Recognizing Bracken American Legion Cadets 100th Anniversary Celebration

Floor Speech

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Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding organization from my district, Bristol's Bracken American Legion Cadet Junior Drum and Bugle Corps. In 1922, a Boy Scout troop in Bristol, PA, introduced drums and military-style bugles for parades, adopting the name ``Cadets of Bristol.'' This initiative quickly gained popularity among Bristol's youth, and, by 1924, the Cadets of Bristol sought sponsorship from the Robert W. Bracken American Legion Post 382. The Bracken Post graciously agreed, leading to the establishment of the Robert W. Bracken Cadets Junior Drum and Bugle Corps. Now, a century later, Bracken Post 382 remains the proud sponsor of our corps.

Bristol's Bracken American Legion Cadet Junior Drum and Bugle Corps promotes an appreciation of music through a historical looking glass, and embraces the musical talents of its members, while cultivating confidence and self-development among its participants.

Bristol's Bracken Cadets have flourished over the last century and have brought joy and entertainment through hosting concerts and festivals and even achieved numerous State Championships and Eastern States Titles.

The renowned Bracken Cadets were in high demand for parades and exhibitions and performed in prestigious venues, including Madison Square Garden in 1970. They charmed audiences across the Philadelphia region with their performances from the 1950s to the 1970s in parades and have since transitioned from marching to performing on a flatbed float in a concert-style format.

In 1981, during Bristol's 300th anniversary, corps alumni proudly paraded through the streets to the delight of the townspeople. In 2004, a grand 80th Anniversary Celebration reunited former members in Bristol. They performed the National Anthem to open Historic Bristol Day and enjoyed a memorable reunion dinner and other corps activities. In 2005, an Alumni corps was established and remains active to this day. However, it is set to conclude after their final performance on Saturday, October 19th, 2024, at the All-Fresh Market on Pond St., Bristol (Historic Bristol Day).

A mural commemorating their legacy will be dedicated during the event. The day will culminate with a celebration dinner at Georgine's and a farewell breakfast at the Golden Eagle Diner on Sunday morning at 11 a.m.

We are incredibly grateful for all that Bristol's Bracken American Legion Cadet Junior Drum and Bugle Corps has done for our community, and we proudly pay tribute to an amazing 100 years.

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