Last night Mrs. Epaminondas prompted me to go to a catholic church nearby in town, where an July 4th Organ concert was going to be given. They have a pre-civil war built organ there 2 stories high, which was built into the second floor balcony at the back of the sanctuary. We have been there for many concerts and the place has an audio presence right up there with anywhere in NYC, where I am from.
I only wish I brought the digital camera to make a video with sound and take stills.
From the national anthem which EVERYONE stood for and sang through the few hymnals, and past the american songs of Gershwin, Cole Porter, and then Copland...NO DRY EYES.
They asked families with serving members to stand and they got a huge four ovation set while they played the Army. Air force, Navy and Marine Marches as each service was touched.
And then they played America the Beautiful and the whole place lit up and sang AGAIN.
I have never seen anything like it.
Never. Not in person.
{sarcasm on}Apparently, people appreciate the place and the idea.{/sarcasm off}
Stars and Stripes Forever had all clapping and stomping in the aisles, and the encore was Kate Smith's favorite, God Bless America, which had all crying again.
More...
Continue reading "A brief word about yesterday" »