303 - New Traditions

Back on April 19th, I had the joy of going to the Concert on the Green Finalists Competition.  The Sunday of Memorial Day weekend is when the Concert on the Green takes place - today.  I met my friends around 4 at St. Johns Community College in Orange Park.  We enjoyed the outdoors, chatted, and listened to two local warm-up bands. 

At 7, the festivities 'officially' started.  All of the finalists from the April 19th competition were recognized, including IMG who placed 2nd in the Junior Division. 

We were treated to a drill team exibition by the Orange Park ROTC - they were fantastic. 

Parachuters from the Palatka Championship jumping team brought the colors in.  And then, it was time for the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra!! 

The first set started with The Star Spangled Banner, with the conductor conducting the audience.  They did a West Side Story medley, then the finalists performed with the Symphony!  Due to last year's Concert on the Green being rained out, we were treated to having last year's winners perform as well.  Not only were they great to listen to, I think it was just an awesome thing for these kids to experience.

The second set was patriotic music.  One of the pieces was a medley of all of our armed forces songs - the conductor asked that when each branch's song was played that anyone who had served, was serving or had family serving in that branch to stand up.  It was so neat to see these men and women stand to be recognized.  They ended with The 1812 Overture - including the CANNON!  It went off earlier than any of us expected; we all jumped!

What a joyful, relaxing evening.  EJG, JSG and I were chatting about traditions, and I realized that for the most part, I didn't have any traditions.  I do now.  Attending the Concert on the Green next year (and following years) with my dear friends.  New traditions are good things.

Ciao!