HLS 21RS-3544 ORIGINAL
2021 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 159
BY REPRESENTATIVE WILLARD
COMMENDATIONS: Commends Connie and Dwight Fitch on the occasion of their fiftieth
wedding anniversary for their contributions to the music culture of New Orleans
1 A RESOLUTION
2To commend Connie and Dwight Fitch on the occasion of their fiftieth wedding anniversary
3 and for their decades-long contributions to the music culture of New Orleans.
4 WHEREAS, Connie and Dwight Fitch are lifelong residents of New Orleans;
5Connie's singing talents were discovered as a student at St. Raymond Elementary School,
6and Dwight's music career was influenced by his father, Herbert Fitch, a talented musician
7in his own right; and
8 WHEREAS, Connie and Dwight met at a talent show at St. Mary's Academy and
9Dwight was so impressed with Connie's voice that he asked her parents if she could join his
10musical group; together, they formed The Exiles Band; and
11 WHEREAS, in 1971, Connie and Dwight were married by her mentor, Father
12Michael Farrell, S.S.J., and the couple received a special Apostolic Blessing from Pope Paul
13VI; and
14 WHEREAS, after he suffered a broken jaw, Dwight put down his trumpet for a new
15passion, the piano; and
16 WHEREAS, Connie and Dwight have been blessed with five children, all of whom
17are talented musicians and singers; and
18 WHEREAS, for decades, Connie and Dwight Fitch have entertained New Orleans
19audiences with The Exiles Band, The Crescent City Connection, The Lead Society Band,
20and a trio, Quiet Storm; and
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HR NO. 159
1 WHEREAS, the Fitch's musical roots are grounded in the church; they serve as
2ministers of music and direct multiple church choirs; they also teach music at several
3Catholic schools in the city; and
4 WHEREAS, Connie and Dwight have served as backstage managers, music
5consultants, and have performed at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival for a decade;
6and
7 WHEREAS, Connie and Dwight have given of their talents and resources in ways
8that will reap benefits for the culture of music in New Orleans for years to come; they
9formed Fitchfield Foundation to provide support for music education and burial assistance
10for indigent musicians and musical services for the bereaved; and
11 WHEREAS, Connie and Dwight Fitch are celebrating the fifty-year anniversary of
12their marriage, and it is fitting to honor the harmony this couple has brought to the music
13community in New Orleans.
14 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
15Legislature of Louisiana does hereby congratulate Connie and Dwight Fitch upon the merry
16occasion of their celebration of fifty years of marriage; does hereby commend the unity and
17harmony in spirit which have blessed their beloved family, fruitful ministries, and the music
18culture of New Orleans; and does hereby extend wishes on their golden wedding anniversary
19for bountiful blessings and much fruit to continue to grow from their anointed union.
20 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to
21Connie and Dwight Fitch.
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HR 159 Original 2021 Regular Session Willard
Commends Connie and Dwight Fitch on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary.
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