LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Maestro Irwin Meyer for special honor
in recognition of being the longest serving bandleader in New York City
on June 26, 2014

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and recognize
outstanding individuals who distinguish themselves in their profession
and in service to their community; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Maestro Irwin Meyer for special honor in recognition of being the long-
est serving bandleader in New York City to be celebrated at a party on
Thursday, June 26, 2014, in Brooklyn, New York; in addition, this Legis-
lative Body is proud to wish Maestro Irwin Meyer a very Happy 95th
Birthday; and
WHEREAS, Truly an amazing member of our country's Greatest Generation,
Maestro Meyer is the Conductor/Music Director of the last surviving
military style band in New York City, the Kings County American Legion
Headquarters Band; and
WHEREAS, Irwin Meyer, a highly decorated World War II Navy veteran,
served on active duty for six years on the staff of an admiral, and saw
action in the Atlantic, Mediterranean and Pacific theaters, participat-
ing in four "D" Days; and
WHEREAS, Maestro Meyer, an accomplished musician, emerged from the
ranks of the Kings County American Legion Headquarters Band over 42
years ago, to become its third regular conductor, and has remained to
this day; currently, he is the oldest active band conductor of any band
in the City of New York; and
WHEREAS, The Kings County American Legion Headquarters Band, in its 90
year history, has included musicians from the famous John Philip Sousa
Band, the Goldman Band, and other notable ensembles; today, the Band is
open to anyone who plays a band instrument, and its members come from
many backgrounds, including professional musicians, students, mechanics,
teachers, police officers and health care professionals; and
WHEREAS, All members, including its conductor, volunteer their time
and talents; in addition to performing all around Brooklyn, the Band
has, from its inception, performed twice every year at the Memorial Day
ceremony and the Veteran's Day ceremony, at the only Veteran's Cemetery
in New York City, Cypress Hills Cemetery; and
WHEREAS, Irwin Meyer is, indeed, an exceptionally proud veteran, one
whose dedication and patriotism are an inspiration to all who know him;
he is a survivor, not only of his military service, but from Hurricane
Sandy as well, as he lost everything he ever owned during that devastat-
ing event; but, with his perpetual optimism, and belief in serving his
fellow man, he bounced back, and remains the active conductor of this
renowned band; and
WHEREAS, It has been the tradition, from day one, that this band never
performs without playing the themes of the five branches of our mili-
tary, and asks all those in the audience who are active members of our
military, or who are veterans, to stand and be saluted; this band is
well-known as the only one in New York City which does this throughout
the year; and
WHEREAS, This one of a kind, truly great American, Irwin Meyer, is
fittingly being honored and thanked for his long and faithful service to
his community and his nation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Maestro Irwin Meyer for special honor in recognition of being

the longest serving bandleader in New York City, to be observed at his
95th Birthday Celebration on June 26, 2014; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Irwin Meyer.