Archive: Opinions

The Ithaca Concert Band performed last week at Myers Park.  It was an unusually cool evening for early July.  Many of those in attendance sat in their lawn chairs dressed in windbreakers, hoods, and warm hats.  Several even brought along blankets to add an extra layer of protection against the gusts of wind off the lake. 

Nonetheless, there was a feeling of excitement in the air.  Last week’s concert had been canceled because of thunderstorms.  On this particular day, the skies showed some hope of clearing.  My family and I arrived just as a Lansing Town Board member was welcoming everyone to the 2009 Concert in the Park Series.  As he was speaking, we opened up our portable cooler, prepared our plates, and sat back to enjoy the music.  

By the second or third song, the clouds began to break up.  Rays of sunshine streamed through the magnificent canopy of Cottonwoods and Oaks.  Smiles appeared on everyone’s face.  Toes were tapping to the rhythms of Artie Shaw, Glen Miller and John Phillips Sousa.  Little children jumped up and began dancing to the music adding to the festive mood.  It was the start of the holiday weekend and Independence Day.

As the concert approached its first hour, the conductor turned to the crowd and announced that the band would be playing a tribute to all the men and women who served or are serving in the armed forces.  She asked that, when the veterans hear their particular anthem, they stand and be recognized.  First was the Army with its familiar refrain, “As the caissons keep rolling along.” Old men struggled to get up out of their lawn chairs, but stood proudly as the crowd offered up a round of applause.  Some tipped their hats while others nodded or waved to the audience. 

It was a moving sight.  As the music continued veterans from the Navy, Air force and Marines stood up as their anthems echoed across the park.  We all applauded, and each of these men, and yes, even a few women, acknowledged this communities tribute for their sacrifice for freedom. 

One of the veterans sat down, and as he settled back into his chair, his wife gently placed her hand on his knee.  He looked lovingly into her eyes and placed his own hand on top of hers. It was a subtle, yet powerful image.  I believe that is what defines us as patriotic - subtle, yet powerful - actions speaking louder than words. 

The concert ended with, “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”  Once again, the crowd clapped, whistled, and tapped in beat as the song brought all of us into the holiday spirit.  My family and I packed up our belongings, and drove back home.  Along the way, our 15 year old son surprised us with these words.  “I want to serve our country some day so that when I return back home, I can stand when they play my song and have others applaud my service.”  My wife and I smiled at one another, and encouraged him to explore all possibilities. 

As the sun’s final rays slipped below the horizon, my mind replayed the image of that couple gracefully acknowledging their own sacrifice.  It made me smile with pride to be part of this community.  Lansing salutes all those who served, and continue to serve in our armed forces so that we can live in freedom.  And that is too the point.  

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