Independence Day, away from home, in another country, on a military base, with my youngest granddaughter -a whole list of “firsts.” I really didn’t foresee it , but July 4 in a foreign country takes on a whole new meaning. The base did a wonderful job at making the celebration fun and meaningful. The weather could have been better, it was warm and muggy with a few little sprinklings of rain. But it was not nearly as hot as most July 4ths I’ve spent in Louisiana.
A huge balloon, with letters forming the words “Celebrate America” hanging beneath, floated above a field marking the location of the event. Brightly colored tents offered games, face painting, jumping, running and swinging activities for children. For adults, there was a chili and cookie cook off, contests, and raffles. Everyone enjoyed the food offerings including the typical cookout fare, hot dogs and hamburgers. Two stages were set up, one large one for the main event and a smaller one for various bands, dance groups, etc.
The Lt. Dan Band, the main event, kicked off their show about 5:00. I guess somewhere in the back of my mind, the band’s name sounded familiar, but I really didn’t know much about them. I remembered the Lt. Dan character from Forest Gump, but really didn’t remember the actor’s name. What an awesome group. They played lots of oldies that providing an opportunity for the audience to sing along, and I did, probably upsetting the entire row in front of me – but hey, who cares?
As much as I loved their music, I loved their collective “heart” even more. Gary Sinse (who played Lt. Dan in Forest Gump and more recently, Mac on CSI) leads this group, with an interest in and dedication to the military and particularly the “Wounded Warrior” project. His foundation plays concerts to raise money to build “smart” homes (disability accommodations) for service members wounded in combat. Check out their website at http://www.ltdanband.com and treat yourself to one of their shows if you have the opportunity.
The fireworks show followed, closing the evening events. And while the show itself wasn’t the biggest and best I have ever seen, but it was much more powerful. Surrounded by men and women who have served in combat, who would give their lives for our great but imperfect country; children who routinely have to say good-bye to a parent for months at a time (some of which may have never even lived in the USA) and the new friends I have made…it just felt different. I’ve always loved my country, but I loved it more that night.
Returning from the festival, I rode up the elevator with a man and we were commenting on the event. He said…”you know, the fireworks overseas are never quite as good as they are at home, but here you really feel what you should feel every 4th of July.” All I could say was Amen.
