The following was posted on The Constitution Party’s Facebook page today:
Now you who read my Viewpoints know that I don’t usually write of a thrilling experience—though each time my wife and I go to worship our Lord is a very special experience! But I must tell you of a most spectacular musical production that we attended last evening, on the eve of our nation’s remembrance of Memorial Day, an event that highlighted any other such event I’ve attended.
Remembering America’s Fallen was such an indescribable event that it should be reported, that many other patriots would be encouraged as we were. Picture three musical groups numbering 130 in all on one platform, all spotlighting our heritage as Americans and honoring our veterans, especially those who have given their lives for the freedoms we enjoy. It was indeed breathtaking bringing tears to the eyes of many, I’m sure, including my wife and I.
The event was one of the productions held at Eissey Campus Theater, Palm Beach State College, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, regularly in season. The auditorium seats 720 and every seat was filled. The frequent applause was thunderous and lasting. Many veterans were in attendance and recognized. (Tickets were half-priced for vets). God and America were honored. Our National Anthem was sung to the accompaniment of all the performers, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag, as well as our flag spectacularly displayed on screen at the closing of the program. The program was an hour and a half long. The applause at the conclusion was great and sustained.
For twenty years, the New Gardens Band and the Indian River POPS Orchestra have held concerts at the Eissey Theater, while they do not usually appear together. These groups are all volunteer but, believe me, they are professional in every sense of the word, having even been in performances overseas. Their very masterful founder and conductor is Owen E. Seward, Jr.
Beside the band and orchestra, the chorale group the Robert Sharon Chorale under the direction of Dr. Robert Sharon performed beautifully and heartily the numbers Danny Boy, America the Beautiful, Amazing Grace, God Bless America and Battle Hymn of the Republic. The entire atmosphere was one of real appreciation of our great country and its God-given heritage. No voices were raised in objection to honoring God in song with such lines as, “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see.” These are biblical lines, of course, and we often wonder how many truly recognize the significance of these words and the fact that “all have sinned” and thus all need the Savior—Who truly and alone saves sinners. Also, from America the Beautiful: “America! America! God shed His grace on thee.” And, from the Battle Hymn of the Republic, “Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.”
Superb musical productions by the band and orchestra combined included, Our America, Washington Post March, Semper Fidelis March (Marines), Liberty Bell March, Hymn to the Fallen, Armed Forces Salute (for each branch of service while announcing veterans from each to stand), and the grand finale, The Stars and Stripes Forever. My words cannot possibly describe the thrilling and exhilarating experience of this event. I’m a music lover and having once played ‘cello in our high school orchestra (a real amateur), I am at a loss for words of wonder to see the blending of all these instruments, the great musical skill of the performers, remembering that they are all volunteers, and the marvelous conducting of Mr. Seward.
Only one somber word in closing, as near as we could see of the hundreds of folks entering and leaving the theater, all were older folks such as we. (One could spot an occasional younger person in the musical groups). Somehow this reflects the attitude of the younger generation in general and is distressing to patriots. Did all the younger high school, college age students, young families, and middle-aged have something better to do on a Saturday night than to join in such a truly patriotic event, especially on Memorial Day weekend? Is this a reflection of the severe lack of patriotism in America, especially among younger folks, and another danger sign of the decline of our Republic?
Especially we want to give thanks and praise to Mr. Seward, Dr. Sharon, and the band and orchestra for their great devotion, preparation, and presentation of this wonderful event that stirred our hearts with an even greater desire to lend our hearts, souls, and energy to the deliverance of our nation and to reaching those who are spiritually lost while we have time.
God Bless America! And America, Bless God!
Jack McLain
Vice Chairman
Constitution Party of Florida
May 26, 2013