The other day, we were talking to Ethan and Rebecca, and Rebecca expressed that the 4th of July is her second favorite holiday! I could hardly believe it. When I think of favorite holidays, I think of Christmas, and Thanksgiving (setting up the tree, Michigan football), Easter (celebration of the egg), and St. Patrick's day (just remembering our trips to Ireland alone makes me happy). Of course at the top of John's list would be Halloween. But the 4th of July? Really?
It got me to thinking why I don't really think about the holiday at all, and I quickly realized that I haven't had any opportunities to celebrate it for many years. For the past eight years, I've been at Interlochen for every 4th, and with the exception of the one year that it fell on a Sunday and Jung-Ho decided to play a patriotic WYSO concert, it's just another day at camp. Classes continue as does work, and by the end of the day, the last thing I want to do is to drive to a crowded lake infested with mosquitos, or deal with large crowds watching fireworks. And for the six years before that, we were in Germany, and while you would think being in the military, it would be a large holiday, I don't think the Americans think it's "good form" to set off fireworks celebrating our fabulous country into the German countryside (although knowing the Germans, they would certainly enjoy the display).
But I appreciated Rebecca's enthusiasm, and since I'm not currently living in Deutschland nor on Interlochen campus, I figured I would give it a try again.
The Detroit Symphony Orchestra just happened to be giving a patriotic concert along with the US Army Field Band (and Chorus) at Greenfield Village in Dearborn. Greenfield Village is the outdoor counterpart to The Henry Ford (history) Museum. I don't think I could have asked for a more perfect venue to spark feelings for the holiday--I've been meaning to get to know the DSO, I love military bands, and it's pretty much always a win if I'm doing something in metro Detroit.
So when John got off work, we headed in. I wasn't too worried about timing since the gates opened at 6 p.m., and the concert began at 7:30. We got there easily enough and parked without problem. We walked close to a mile to the open field and were amazed to see the entire place already covered with lawn chairs and blankets. As it turned out, the event was nearly sold out, and there were several thousand people there. We found a nice grassy spot where we would be able to see the stage and waited.
We had brought tasty food (sandwiches from Mike's Deli are always a win), and thankfully we had lots of watermelon and pop, because let me tell you, it was hotter than Hades. In fact, if anyone ever thinks Hell might be a party, just sit in the sun on a 96 degree Michigan afternoon, and I'm sure you'll reconsider. In fact, after sitting there for a good hour, John pointed out that it felt that the sun hadn't moved an inch in the sky.
Then, it was the DSO's turn, although unbeknownst to me, the rest of the concert was actually a joint venture between the two groups. They each had their solo moments, but many times worked together to produce something outstanding. Hmmm, I wonder if the leaders of our country could take a page from the artists' books....?
One thing I always appreciate about going to concerts with "older" folks is that when the national anthem is played, there is no delay in standing up for it, no forgetting about or grandstanding during it, and the people sing the words. (I know that there is a lot of controversy at the moment about our national anthem, but I do not agree that it's the proper time to make a political statement.). Then, just a few minutes later, the band played the medley of all military songs and asked those people and their families who had served in those military branches to stand during the playing of them. We couldn't hop out of our chairs fast enough for when "The Wild Blue Yonder" started!
By this time, the sun was setting, and the temperature must have dropped a cool ten degrees, so we could really sit back and enjoy the show. There was a lot of great music--WWI songs, film pieces from WWII movies, even the overture from the movie Silverado was played. But the high point of the evening was soon to come.
Every year, the DSO plays the 1812 Overture by Tchaikovsky at Greenfield Village for one reason really: the village can provide real cannon fire which is called for in the overture. I do find it strange though that Americans find the 1812 Overture patriotic because it was written by Tchaikovsky to herald a victory of Russia over France. In fact, the French National Anthem runs throughout the piece. But who knows why Americans do and think a lot of the things they do (#TrumpForPresident)? We weren't sure where the cannons were firing, but all we had to do was look around and find every cell phone camera trained on one specific spot near the tree line to see where it was going to happen. Of course, I got kind of lost in the music and forgot about the cannons until, as Mark would so eloquently put it, I almost pooped in my pants when they were first fired! Holy smokes, they were so loud, especially because there were two cannons alternately firing at each other....and because we were only feet from the tree line. It was one of those WOW! moments for sure. I couldn't help but laugh out loud because it was just so exciting.
And as soon as the overture ended, the fireworks began. And again, we just so happened to be sitting right next to where they were being set off. And I personally loved how the orchestra shell "caught" the sound of the explosion each time and sent the echo straight back to us.
It was great fun, through the first two sets by the band, with bigger and bigger fireworks happening, but I was completely caught off guard with what would be the final song of the evening (and the conclusion of the fireworks). You would think it would be "America the Beautiful" or "You're a Grand Old Flag" or something, but the US Army Chorus chose a song whose meaning I'm sure was lost on many people: they chose "Battle Hymn of the Republic".
If you know this hymn, you know it's not as much a hymn about our country, and flags, and freedom, and presidents, and wars, as it is a hymn about our Savior, Jesus Christ. And the traditional way to perform it is with the first two verses at a steady clip...
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord;
He is trailing out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored.
He hath loosed his fateful lightning of his terrible, swift sword;
His truth is marching on.
He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat;
He is sifting out the hearts of men before his judgment seat;
Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer him; be jubilant my feet!
Our God is marching on.
...but with the third verse slow and reflective.
In the beauty of the lilies, Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in his bosom that transfigures you and me.
As he died to make men holy, let us live to make men free,
While God is marching on.
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
His truth is marching on.
I didn't imagine that the chorus would perform it so because it certainly puts the focus on the Savior more than on the 4th of July, but in an inspired vision by some conductor at some point in time, they did. And who would think to end the show on a slow, reflective thought about Jesus, but hearing it and seeing it, it was seriously perfect.
It goes without saying that I had tears streaming down my face as I thought about the blessing it actually is to live in the U.S. To claim this country that gave the world the restoration of the Gospel, and to think of all of our forefathers who came here to escape religious, political or economic persecution. What a haven for freedom of thought, and how thankful I am that Lady Liberty's arms, like the Savior's hands, have always been open to immigrants from all walks of life and all countries.
And yes, Rebecca, I'm thankful to you for reminding me that there is indeed a reason to celebrate the fourth day in July. It's fun for the parties and barbecues and family get-togethers, but it's also a great day to be thankful for all that we have.
 |
| This is seriously the last picture I have of celebrating the 4th. Glo has braces.... |
But I appreciated Rebecca's enthusiasm, and since I'm not currently living in Deutschland nor on Interlochen campus, I figured I would give it a try again.
The Detroit Symphony Orchestra just happened to be giving a patriotic concert along with the US Army Field Band (and Chorus) at Greenfield Village in Dearborn. Greenfield Village is the outdoor counterpart to The Henry Ford (history) Museum. I don't think I could have asked for a more perfect venue to spark feelings for the holiday--I've been meaning to get to know the DSO, I love military bands, and it's pretty much always a win if I'm doing something in metro Detroit.
So when John got off work, we headed in. I wasn't too worried about timing since the gates opened at 6 p.m., and the concert began at 7:30. We got there easily enough and parked without problem. We walked close to a mile to the open field and were amazed to see the entire place already covered with lawn chairs and blankets. As it turned out, the event was nearly sold out, and there were several thousand people there. We found a nice grassy spot where we would be able to see the stage and waited.
We had brought tasty food (sandwiches from Mike's Deli are always a win), and thankfully we had lots of watermelon and pop, because let me tell you, it was hotter than Hades. In fact, if anyone ever thinks Hell might be a party, just sit in the sun on a 96 degree Michigan afternoon, and I'm sure you'll reconsider. In fact, after sitting there for a good hour, John pointed out that it felt that the sun hadn't moved an inch in the sky.
 |
| The sun seriously stayed in that one spot for a hellish hour. We were drenched in sweat. |
 |
| But then I saw these guys, walking around and playing for the crowd, and I realized that my heat index must have been on the "cool" side in comparison! |
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| There was an awesome screen behind the musicians that showed inspiring pictures while they played. |
 |
| Glo had no problem falling asleep in the soft grass. And she noted that the Indian family (sitting directly in front of us) had very tasty smelling Indian food ;-) |
The band and chorus were the warm-up act although I ask, did we really any need any warming up? ;-). They were soooo excellent. In fact, I've heard so many out of tune high school bands, that it was good to be reminded that bands CAN plan in tune! I can see why Mark says they are one of the "hot" jobs for musicians. Guaranteed salary, health care and retirement for a musician? YES, thank you!
Then, it was the DSO's turn, although unbeknownst to me, the rest of the concert was actually a joint venture between the two groups. They each had their solo moments, but many times worked together to produce something outstanding. Hmmm, I wonder if the leaders of our country could take a page from the artists' books....?
One thing I always appreciate about going to concerts with "older" folks is that when the national anthem is played, there is no delay in standing up for it, no forgetting about or grandstanding during it, and the people sing the words. (I know that there is a lot of controversy at the moment about our national anthem, but I do not agree that it's the proper time to make a political statement.). Then, just a few minutes later, the band played the medley of all military songs and asked those people and their families who had served in those military branches to stand during the playing of them. We couldn't hop out of our chairs fast enough for when "The Wild Blue Yonder" started!
By this time, the sun was setting, and the temperature must have dropped a cool ten degrees, so we could really sit back and enjoy the show. There was a lot of great music--WWI songs, film pieces from WWII movies, even the overture from the movie Silverado was played. But the high point of the evening was soon to come.
Every year, the DSO plays the 1812 Overture by Tchaikovsky at Greenfield Village for one reason really: the village can provide real cannon fire which is called for in the overture. I do find it strange though that Americans find the 1812 Overture patriotic because it was written by Tchaikovsky to herald a victory of Russia over France. In fact, the French National Anthem runs throughout the piece. But who knows why Americans do and think a lot of the things they do (#TrumpForPresident)? We weren't sure where the cannons were firing, but all we had to do was look around and find every cell phone camera trained on one specific spot near the tree line to see where it was going to happen. Of course, I got kind of lost in the music and forgot about the cannons until, as Mark would so eloquently put it, I almost pooped in my pants when they were first fired! Holy smokes, they were so loud, especially because there were two cannons alternately firing at each other....and because we were only feet from the tree line. It was one of those WOW! moments for sure. I couldn't help but laugh out loud because it was just so exciting.
And as soon as the overture ended, the fireworks began. And again, we just so happened to be sitting right next to where they were being set off. And I personally loved how the orchestra shell "caught" the sound of the explosion each time and sent the echo straight back to us.
It was great fun, through the first two sets by the band, with bigger and bigger fireworks happening, but I was completely caught off guard with what would be the final song of the evening (and the conclusion of the fireworks). You would think it would be "America the Beautiful" or "You're a Grand Old Flag" or something, but the US Army Chorus chose a song whose meaning I'm sure was lost on many people: they chose "Battle Hymn of the Republic".
If you know this hymn, you know it's not as much a hymn about our country, and flags, and freedom, and presidents, and wars, as it is a hymn about our Savior, Jesus Christ. And the traditional way to perform it is with the first two verses at a steady clip...
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord;
He is trailing out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored.
He hath loosed his fateful lightning of his terrible, swift sword;
His truth is marching on.
He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat;
He is sifting out the hearts of men before his judgment seat;
Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer him; be jubilant my feet!
Our God is marching on.
...but with the third verse slow and reflective.
In the beauty of the lilies, Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in his bosom that transfigures you and me.
As he died to make men holy, let us live to make men free,
While God is marching on.
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
His truth is marching on.
I didn't imagine that the chorus would perform it so because it certainly puts the focus on the Savior more than on the 4th of July, but in an inspired vision by some conductor at some point in time, they did. And who would think to end the show on a slow, reflective thought about Jesus, but hearing it and seeing it, it was seriously perfect.
It goes without saying that I had tears streaming down my face as I thought about the blessing it actually is to live in the U.S. To claim this country that gave the world the restoration of the Gospel, and to think of all of our forefathers who came here to escape religious, political or economic persecution. What a haven for freedom of thought, and how thankful I am that Lady Liberty's arms, like the Savior's hands, have always been open to immigrants from all walks of life and all countries.
And yes, Rebecca, I'm thankful to you for reminding me that there is indeed a reason to celebrate the fourth day in July. It's fun for the parties and barbecues and family get-togethers, but it's also a great day to be thankful for all that we have.
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