The 78th Army Band NYC (formerly the 319th "Statue of Liberty Army" Band) is an Army Reserve unit of 30 professional Soldier-Musicians, and is New York City's only military band, located in the Ernie Pyle Reserve Center at Fort Totten, in the borough of Queens. The band came to New York City on July 14th, 1950 at Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn, and has called Fort Totten, Queens its home since December o
f 1968. Since the closing of the active duty 26th Army Band at Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn in September of 1994, the 319th has been the only military band located within New York City and the metropolitan area. The 319th earned its moniker "The Statue of Liberty Band" in 1986 to honor its performance at the centennial celebration of the Statue of Liberty. Other performance highlights for the 319th include:
- The reopening of Ellis Island in 1992.
- The closing of historic military base Governor's Island in 1996.
- The closing of Fort Clayton, Panama in 1999.
- The rededication of the Washington Square Arch in 2004.
- The visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Brooklyn in 2008.
- Performing in famous NYC locations such as Times Square, Central Park, Yankee Stadium, Shea Stadium, Citi Field, Madison Square Garden, and many more.
- Performing for NYC Mayoral Inaugurations.
- Marching on 5th Avenue in many of NYC's famous parades, such as Veteran's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Puerto Rico Day, and many more. The 319th has a proud history of service to New York City and the surrounding metropolitan area. Until 2008 the 319th was part of the 77th Regional Readiness Command, formerly the 77th Infantry Division, known for their distinctive "Statue of Liberty" patch. The 319th is now under the command of the 99th Regional Support Command of the US Army Reserve, headquartered in Fort Dix, New Jersey.