Congressional Resolution: Willis Conover Day

RESOLUTION:

April 2, 2009

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

RESOLUTION

Expressing support for designation of April 2009 as `Jazz Appreciation Month' and April 25, 2009, as `Willis Conover Day', and honoring the global impact of jazz music.

Whereas it is universally acknowledged and accepted by Congress that April is `Jazz Appreciation Month', and H. Res. 57 (100th Congress) proclaimed jazz a national American treasure; Whereas the `Big Band Jam' was created in 2005 to bring big band jazz to the Nation's capital; Whereas the Big Band Jam will showcase the music of student musicians and recognizes the importance of educating our youth about America's20 unique jazz heritage; Whereas Washington, DC, area high schools, colleges, universities, and military ensembles come together once a year to share their appreciation of jazz, and they help bridge the gap between cultural diversity, age, education, and income through the music; Whereas the Big Band Jam is produced in cooperation with many esteemed cultural and government agencies, which include museums, art organizations, memorials, and municipal agencies, all dedicated to increasing the awareness and appreciation of jazz; Whereas, on April 25, 2009, the Big Band Jam will honor the Voice of America and Willis Conover and the joint contribution toward spreading the language of jazz and American cultural diplomacy around the world over a span of more than 35 years; Whereas the public shall share together in a celebration of the global impact of jazz music, an American treasure, that will feature America's own Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, under the musical direction of National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Jazz Master David N. Baker, as they each and all pay tribute to `America's Jazz Musical Masters'; Whereas April 2009 would be an appropriate month to designate as `Jazz Appreciation Month'; and Whereas April 25, 2009, would be an appropriate day to designate as `Willis Conover Day': Now, therefore, be it resolved, That the House of Representatives supports the designation of `Jazz Appreciation Month' and `Willis Conover Day'.

Blogger Note: Immense thanks to MC for providing the text of this resolution, commemorating a remarkable man who did far more to end the Cold War than nuclear missiles.