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This was a grass roots gathering in one city. Similar gatherings
occurred all over America.
It began with signs posted all over town.
This is my wife Nancy and her sister Linda,
who sang in the choir. The choir was made up of choir members from
19 local churchs. The volunteers spent months preparing to share this moment.
Nancy is a nurse and administrator. Linda is an elementary teacher and music major.
The setting was a city park. I got there early to get a front row seat. I had seen their prior performance on the Fourth of July.
The banners said it all.
No one was excluded. Note the patriotic bow. My groomer put it on my dog Ace when I took him to be groomed.
More than half of those who came were under 18. This girl was up
front and center. They are the future of freedom.
The choir warmed up, letting me get in close
to get a great shot of Nancy and Linda. Later the dignitaries would be in my way.
The sound of this 200 plus voice choir inside this band shell was just awesome.
It sounded as good as any choir anytime, anywhere. They clearly sang with heart.
The Boy Scouts saluted..
as the American Legion posted the colors. I proudly
saluted as my flag passed before me. That flag stands for freedom. I was willing to give my life for what it stands for.
We all loudly sang the "Star-Spanggled Banner."
Mary VanDoozer, the 9-11 Events Chair, opened
with thanks to all the participants. This woman did a spectacular job of organizing this
event. After the event I sought her out and gave her a big hug.
The park was filled with Americans from all walks of life.
Every race, creed, color, ethnic group, and religion were represented. In America, we are all free to
be who we are - a nation of free people.
Mayor Ken Fellman gave a great speech. All the speakers were very well prepared, and
delivered great speeches. This one was worthy of John F. Kennedy.
Three of the four choir conductors-
Peggy Lundberg, Mark Call, and Dr. Donna Bogard. Debbie Willeford was the other conductor.
They each are
very good, and really turned a collection of volunteers into a great choir. Well done!
The choir sang "America, the Dream Goes On"
and "Battle Hymn of the Republic."
Police Chief Ron Sloan gave a moving speech.
Fire Chief Paul Dextra did as well. These men represented those New York policemen
and firemen who gave their lives in the service of freedom 9-11-01. Policemen,
firemen and veterans in the audience were asked to stand, and were loudly applauded.
After the show, two strangers came up to me, thanked me for serving my country, and
gave me hugs. I cried.
The light of freedom.
The choir sang "Festival of Freedom" and "An American Hymn."
After that we listened intently to the inspired and inspiring words from each of several ministers of local churches.
I was particularly moved by the speaker from the Islamic Center,
who expressed in extremely well chosen words the reaction of that segment of
America to 9-11, and shared his views of true Islamic values.
The choir sang
"Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor" and "The Star-Spanged Banner Finale."
The finale was the version of the Star Spangled banner sung at the re-dedication of
the Statue of Liberty. We all stood, sang, and soared on that one.
By the end of the evening, I knew beyond any doubt, that the future of freedom, the dream of all people,
is being passed on to a new generation. Our enemies, with there brutal attack
of 9-11-01, have insured that.
So we celebrated that the dream is alive and well. What a great evening it was.
A special thanks to all who made it happen. I sincerely appreciate it.
Red , white, and
blue
snowflakes!
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Let's Roll!