I had the great fortune to attend a free concert last spring offered by the United States Army Field Band and  Soldiers' Chorus. This concert was the first one of their spring tour which would take them from Hagerstown, Maryland across the south all the way to Fort Collins, Colorado.   The program was full of familiar marches, Broadway, popular tunes, but was current with a newly arranged piece for the field band.  The band is accompanied by 20 singers who are all top notch performers.  One of those performers was my son, Brendan, who had just joined the group.  I was so proud of him and all he has accomplished since joining the Army, passing through basic training and beginning this new career path.  What impressed me about the concert, however, was what it did for the people who attended. The climax, and for me the most moving point of the concert, was the salute to all the Armed Service.  The band played and the chorus sang and the people who had served were asked to stand when their branch of the service song was played. The U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marines and U.S. Army all have very stirring and familiar theme songs.  As an audience member, I was asked to stand in recognition of my father's service, as well of that of my son's.  Looking around the concert hall, seeing the looks on the peoples faces, brought me close to tears.  The healing was palpable as people stood and received a thank you from their country in the form of this salute. The free concert was the US Army's way of offering some small token of gratitude. Emotions rose to the surface for many of us in the audience, while God Bless America was beautifully sung.  We joined in and raised our voices together in national pride.  I was struck by what an important healing mission this group has, and the dedication of purpose the director and performers showed in their demeanor and respect. People left the concert entertained, moved and changed in a way they had not expected.  I am honored that my son is part of such an outstanding group of musicians whose mission is to tour our country to show recognition to those who have served in our armed forces, and those who have sacrificed loved ones along the way.  In this way, those who have given the ultimate sacrifice are remembered once again, and those who remain can move forward knowing that what was given has been acknowledged.  Thank you to the US Army for continuing to support the US Army Field Bands and their missions around our country and the world.

It has been an amazing thing to watch the Olympic opening ceremony and now the various competitions where each participant's performance carries with it not only thier personal desire to be the best, but the hopes and dreams of each country represented by the talent atheletes who are competing.  The hours of preparation, practice and perserverence have to be appreciated.  It takes a tremendous amount of self discipling and determination to strive to achieve such a significant goal.  In watching the synchonized diving,  was surprised at how simply the divers worked together to begin their dive.  I am reminded of the importance of feeling the same underlying beat together that musicians rely on to stay together in an ensemble. Not only is the synchonized dive an artistic thing of beauty, it requires a tremndous amount of skill and polish to score the highest points and enter the water with the least wake. Watching Michael Phelps win his races and  Nastia Luikin and Shawn Johnson take Gold and Silver medals in Women's All Around gymnastics competition  was emotional and dramatic. Congratulations to all our USA competitiors.  Thank you for your hard work and dedication.  Your performances have been awe inspiring!