Do Something Special Today!

Weatherwise, yesterday evening was the most perfect of the summer so far.  The early clouds cooled things down and went away before sundown.  There was a slight breeze with temperature in the low 70's. It was perfect for a rousing, boistrous, down-home yet high-falutin', almost sacred pre-celebration of the Fourth of July.  My old friend, Nancy and I, packed up our two lawn chairs, had to park a few blocks away, and walked to a magnificent, joyful, unabashedly patriotic concert on the lawn at Transylvania University here in Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America.

Look at the huge crowd! - many thousands overflowing the lawn and streets!  Nancy is in the light blue shirt at the lower right.  Look at all the red, white, and blue!

We were royally entertained by The 202nd Army Band of the Kentucky National Guard, the U.S.Army Field Band Soldiers' Chorus, and the University of Kentucky Opera Theatre chorus featuring one of my all-time favorites, Tenor, Gregory Turay.  The focus was on honoring current and past members of the Armed Services and our emergency responders - all those who keep us safe.

Of course, the concert started with the Presentation of Colors - the U.S. Flag, standing and singing our national anthem, "The Star Spangled Banner."  Who of us Americans could not sing this without at least a half tear in our eyes and an extra heart beat or two?  All we Kentuckians are quite familiar with the next song, "My Old Kentucky Home," the next on the program.  A contemporary song was "God Bless the USA," followed by "America, the Beautiful."  There were spirited marches and medleys both orchestral and choral.

The Choral Singers on the stage in front of the Morrison Building.

Stars and Stripes, the American Flag, on the Morrison Building, taken from way back where we were sitting.

People-watching was equally enjoyable! Some folks had brought tables with simple and also elaborate picnics.  Some had bought food from the vendors on site.  There was a mood of such friendship!  Everyone was chatting with their neighbors on the grass or pavement.  I asked the ladies in front of us where they got their programs because I didn't see them offered when we came in.  One handed me hers readily and said, "We have more.  Take this."  The hats and all manner of red, white, and blue clothes were interesting.  My vote for the cutest goes to the unnamed canine below.

In the Spirit of the Holiday!

Those in the crowd who were active duty service members or had an active duty service man or woman in their families were encouraged to stand when their service's march was played.  I was especially proud to stand for the Navy song, "Anchors Away!"  My son-in-law, Fielding is an officer in the U.S. Submarine Service in the Navy, stationed near Seattle, Washington; proud wife, Jeannie and small son, Xavier, are there with him.

After it got dark, sparklers were held up in the crowd.  As the crowd was leaving after the concert, an exuberant teen held a sparkler in each hand and was gleefully dancing in place.  I tried to get out my camera but was too late.  His sparklers were used up.  But then he danced some more.

So today is the Fourth of July, Independence Day, in the great country of The United States of America!  I have a full day to celebrate, starting with Mass in church at 10 o'clock this morning.  Then it's out to lunch with Daughter #7, Marie, after which she'll help me with a computer problem.  For dinner, we have a family cookout to honor granddaughter, Sarah, born on the 4th of July ten years ago.  When she was little, she thought our town's parade was for her. Now she's half grown-up already!

I hope you have special plans to get together with friends or family and have fun and CELEBRATE!  I hope we all can see lots of FIREWORKS!  I hope you have a big or at least a little American FLAG somewhere in your home!

Sunrise shining on my Wonderful American Flag, July 4th, 2014!

Lord, we feel You have Shed Your Grace on America.  We especially need you in these uncertain times.  But our Patriotism is strong!  Praise, You, Lord, and God, Bless America!!