HOMER GILBERT: 'MR. MUNY BAND'

It didn't really rain on Homer Gilbert's parade last week. Appreciative colleagues and die-hard audience members braved a rainstorm to see Gilbert honored for his amazing 70-plus years in the Cape Girardeau Municipal Band. Gilbert's dedication to the city's municipal band is nothing short of amazing.

He was but 14 years old when he started with the band in 1927. Think of it. That was the same year Charles Lindbergh flew nonstop across the Atlantic. The first talking motion picture, "The Jazz Singer," debuted that same year.

Gilbert is a musical Cal Ripken Jr. He missed only one year of playing in the band. In 1930 he performed with a dance band in a fancy Savannah, Ga., hotel.

At 85, Gilbert has decided to retire due to health reasons. But he hopes to still attend the weekly summer concerts on the audience side of the band shell.

Gilbert has earned the title of "Mr. Muny Band." His legacy of music will continue as an inspiration to fellow band members, young musicians and a community that loves its municipal band.