Yankee Doodles

Last year I was bitterly disappointed when we were unable to attend the Fourth of July concert in Central Park because it was so crowded we couldn't park anywhere. This year I left nothing to chance, so we arrived three hours early and got a great seat. Americans are a patriotic lot at the best of times, but the Fourth really brings out the best (or the worst if you're from Iraq) in them.
The only thing missing was a final tap dance from James Cagney and a giant unfurling of a flag at the back of the stage at the end. Every kind of patriot song was played, although I'm not quite sure how the 1812 (avec canons) fitted in.
Most moving of all was when ex servicemen (mostly from the Second World War) saluted as the old army, navy and airforce marches were played. Having spent my childhood Sunday afternoons watching war films with my dad on TV, I was at least able to recognise which was which. Special guest (see photos below) was a lady celebrating her 107th birthday!


She's a grand old flag...

If you put your white shirt in the wash with the colours, this is what's likely to happen at this time of year.

Open wide. The gentlemen of the Naperville Glee Club. (I thought Glee Clubs died out at the turn of the century, but then again this is Naperville..)

Director Ron Keller strikes up the band.

"Is there a birthday girl in the house?" "Me. Me!"

There's always one......

Pete Ellman presents a raffle prize as compere Ann Lord stands by. First prize free tickets for all next year's concerts! Hang on a minute..aren't they free anyway?