Post by fusilier23 on May 29, 2006 10:56:44 GMT
Ah, a weekend of good weather, marking the unofficial beginning of summer, celbrated with barbecues, travelling, and the National Memorial Day Concert. For the last 17 years the National Symphony Orchestra sets up on the steps of the Capitol to perform a concert honoring those who have served this country and particularly those who "gave the last full measure of devotion," as Abraham Lincoln put it. Many distinguished guest artists have joined them over the years, from all fields of music.
This year was no exception, as American mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade (who looks very good for a woman entering her 60s) opening the show with the national anthem and later offering "The Lord's Prayer" and "You'll Never Walk Alone," multitalented actor/singer John Schneider singing "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" and the song of the National Guard, and country duo Big and Rich singing a song written originally just to entertain a Vietnam veteran they had met, but now released, telling the story of an ambush in Viet Nam that left 48 dead before the Americans sent the enemy running.
Suprisingly policeman-turned-tenor Daniel Rodriguez returned to sing a medley of Air Force songs (he sang in 2002). Country star Lee Anne Womack performed her song "I Hope You Dance" and also "God Bless America," and the orchestra performed a brass-heavy piece called "Commemoration" by Robert Wendell. The most poignant, and quite frankly painful moments came when Gary Sinise and Diane Wiest read the accounts of an American pilot shot down over Germany in WWII and the words of the mother of an American sergeant slain in Iraq. The latter was especially rough, because the wound is still fresh. Colin Powell gave a rousing speech thanking all those now serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Of course the finale was great, as all five service songs were performed, together with beating drums, blaring trumpets, waving flags, men with guns,and stirring words from the joint chiefs, that can't miss. Still, even an ardent patriot like me feels something seeing those lists of the fallen grow each year since 2001.
Hayley as yet hasn't joined this particular event, but f she were invited, what does everyone think she should sing?
This year was no exception, as American mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade (who looks very good for a woman entering her 60s) opening the show with the national anthem and later offering "The Lord's Prayer" and "You'll Never Walk Alone," multitalented actor/singer John Schneider singing "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" and the song of the National Guard, and country duo Big and Rich singing a song written originally just to entertain a Vietnam veteran they had met, but now released, telling the story of an ambush in Viet Nam that left 48 dead before the Americans sent the enemy running.
Suprisingly policeman-turned-tenor Daniel Rodriguez returned to sing a medley of Air Force songs (he sang in 2002). Country star Lee Anne Womack performed her song "I Hope You Dance" and also "God Bless America," and the orchestra performed a brass-heavy piece called "Commemoration" by Robert Wendell. The most poignant, and quite frankly painful moments came when Gary Sinise and Diane Wiest read the accounts of an American pilot shot down over Germany in WWII and the words of the mother of an American sergeant slain in Iraq. The latter was especially rough, because the wound is still fresh. Colin Powell gave a rousing speech thanking all those now serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Of course the finale was great, as all five service songs were performed, together with beating drums, blaring trumpets, waving flags, men with guns,and stirring words from the joint chiefs, that can't miss. Still, even an ardent patriot like me feels something seeing those lists of the fallen grow each year since 2001.
Hayley as yet hasn't joined this particular event, but f she were invited, what does everyone think she should sing?
