LETTERS: MUNICIPAL BAND'S VETERAN MEMBER DESERVES FANFARE

To the editor:

At the 75th anniversary concert of the Cape Girardeau Municipal Band last week, the announcer said, "Due to failing health, this will be John Braswell's last concert." My dad would not ask for more than that short statement, but he deserved much more.

Wednesday nights at the park have been such a big part of his life for the last 30 years. Dad has faithfully been there playing his clarinet. He has entertained. He has made lasting friends there. He has watched his family from that chair. He laughed when his grandson, Matt, would stand in the grass in front of the band and direct with more enthusiasm and talent than any guest director.

Sometimes I think the weekly concerts were just a good excuse to take the family out for ice cream. He has passed his love of music on to his family. Those who don't play an instrument listen and enjoy because of him.

Dad has been much more than a member of the band: a good son, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, businessman, self-taught engineer, inventor (among other things, he invented the water gun -- I always thought that was cool), humorist and lover of life.

My dad should have gotten more recognition for his years with the band. I regret I did not jump up and grab the microphone to say this, but I can say it now: Thanks, Dad.

DAN BRASWELL

Cape Girardeau