I just had to post this. Today I played a 4th of July gig for a place that caters mostly to service people. I played many of the Sousa marches and songs you used to hear at the park on July 4th when real brass bands played for the holiday. It was the most heart warming and enjoyable job I have played all year. To end the show I played our national anthem. Well, when it was finished I had tears running down both cheeks and could hardly play. The people stood and saluted, some getting up from wheel chairs, some from walkers, some only with the help of their family members. They sang so loudly I could hardly hear myself playing. When we finished the national anthem they began singing God Bless America all on their own. Yes, these old timers knew what every word of both songs meant and were as proud as they could be to have served in our military and to be an American.

And people ask why I play at these places ---

Deane