Bill Summary
The legislation is a bill that aims to honor Peter G. Thurland, Sr. by designating the Christiansted Bandstand, located at the Christiansted National Historic Site in St. Croix, Virgin Islands, as the "Peter G. Thurland, Sr., Bandstand." The bill outlines Thurland's significant contributions to the community, including his musical talents, service in the U.S. Navy Band, and his role in founding the St. Croix Community Band, which provided musical education and performances for the community. By naming the bandstand after him, Congress seeks to commemorate his leadership, craftsmanship, and dedication to promoting music in St. Croix. The legislation also stipulates that all future references to the bandstand will be under its new name.
Possible Impacts
The legislation designating the Christiansted Bandstand as the "Peter G. Thurland, Sr., Bandstand" can have several impacts on people, including:
1. **Cultural Recognition and Pride**: By honoring Peter G. Thurland, Sr., the legislation acknowledges his contributions to music and community in St. Croix. This recognition may foster a sense of pride among local residents and musicians, encouraging them to celebrate their cultural heritage and continue engaging in musical activities.
2. **Tourism and Economic Impact**: Naming the bandstand after a prominent local figure may attract visitors interested in the history and cultural significance of the site. Increased tourism can benefit local businesses, create jobs, and promote the arts, enhancing the overall economy of St. Croix.
3. **Inspiration for Future Generations**: The tribute to Thurland's dedication to music and community service can serve as an inspiration for young people in the Virgin Islands. It may encourage them to pursue music and community involvement, thereby fostering a new generation of musicians and community leaders who follow in his footsteps.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 8121 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 8121
To designate the Christiansted Bandstand at the Christiansted National
Historic Site, St. Croix, Virgin Islands, as the ``Peter G. Thurland,
Sr., Bandstand''.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
March 26, 2026
Ms. Plaskett introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Natural Resources
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To designate the Christiansted Bandstand at the Christiansted National
Historic Site, St. Croix, Virgin Islands, as the ``Peter G. Thurland,
Sr., Bandstand''.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. FINDINGS.
Congress finds that--
(1) Peter Gregory Thurland, Sr.--
(A) was born on February 19, 1892, in the town of
Christiansted on the island of St. Croix in the Virgin
Islands;
(B) excelled in playing the trombone and baritone
horn and dedicated his life to attaining excellence in
music;
(C) shortly after the transfer of the Virgin
Islands from Denmark to the United States, joined the
United States Navy on June 12, 1917, and served as a
member of the Navy Band;
(D) worked on the construction and design of the
Christiansted Bandstand, where he played with the
Christiansted Naval Band at their monthly concerts
until he was honorably discharged in September 1921;
(E) is renowned in his native Virgin Islands as a
master craftsman and a skillful cabinetmaker;
(F) founded the St. Croix Community Band in 1938
and trained many young musicians who performed free at
monthly concerts at the Christiansted Bandstand; and
(G) conducted the St. Croix Community Band until
his retirement for health reasons in 1968, at which
time he turned over the leadership position of the band
to his son; and
(2) it is a fitting tribute to his leadership, courage, and
contributions to the community of St. Croix to designate the
Christiansted Bandstand in honor and memory of Peter G.
Thurland, Sr.
SEC. 2. DESIGNATION.
The bandstand commonly referred to as the ``Christiansted
Bandstand'', located at the Christiansted National Historic Site, St.
Croix, Virgin Islands, is designated as the ``Peter G. Thurland, Sr.,
Bandstand''.
SEC. 3. LEGAL REFERENCES.
Any reference in any law, regulation, document, record, map, or
other paper of the United States to the bandstand referred to in
section 2 is deemed to be a reference to the ``Peter G. Thurland, Sr.,
Bandstand''.
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