The cacophony of sounds percussively striking one's eardrums on this Castle Rock Spring day in May were not the normal wail of the ER vehicle nor the mournful woo of the horn on the northbound 2 p.m. train.
Albeit, both were indeed background noise. Rather, the sole conductor present, Kent Brandeberry (see photo), directed the Castle Rock Band horns and other instruments to such crowd-stirring tunes of Irving Berlin's "God Bless America" competently performed by vocal soloist, Mrs. Jan Romery (see photo - email me for Quick Time video clips).
Notwithstanding, Conductor Brandeberry remarked with a twinkle in his eye, it would have been most helpful had the "other" conductor "tuned" his train horn before auspiciously contributing to J.P. Sousa's memorable "Ancient and Honorable Artillery Co."
Nevertheless, memories were stimulated to recall the sacrifices of our military men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect our liberties and our democracy. The external interruptions lent themselves to a reminder of the nonstop explosive interruptions our troops suffered so many years ago.
A deeply moving, October 6, 1942 excerpt of a Guadalcanal diary given by Rev. Grayson Gowen aptly recalled one soldier's perception, deemed a "living hell" as bombs and howitzers pounded Allied troops four days, protected only by their foxholes. Sprinkled by dirt granules on the back of their necks, seared by exploding ordinance, troops hugged their helmets and ears, solaced only by the cool earth beneath their shell-shocked souls.
Sleep was a hope, never a reality. Meals were far between. Yet, Guadalcanal has been deemed by some historians as a turning point in the final victory for democracy.
The American Legion Post (# not identified) presented the Colors for the opening ceremony. Castle Rock Mayor, the Honorable Randy Reed, gave the "Welcome" and opening remarks, unfortunately which, yours truly missed. Alas, Mayor Reed is not quoted here.
Conductor Brandeberry, before the encore performance of "A Bicycle Built for Two," halted the proceedings for a moment of recognition to all the veterans in the audience and band, asking all veterans to rise to their feet. For this Vietnam era veteran, the acknowledgement almost brought a tear and certainly brought long overdue warmth in the ensuing public response.
Thank you, Castle Rock.
Opening the concert, Damrosch's arrangement of the "Star Spangled Banner" complimented its ending selection of J.P. Sousa's "Stars and Stripes Forever" march, with the crowd of about 50 to 75 people in attendance (many brought their own chairs) demonstratively clapping and swaying to a breezy-day performance under balmy sun and clouds.
The day can only be characterized as a musical success and a community treasure. Miller Library's Jamie LaRue, announcer for the event, was seen to be "rocking" a bit, no doubt due to his presence on the reverberating platform of the weather-vaned, summer-white, old-fashioned bandstand.
If you weren't there, you missed one of the quaint and pleasurable events that make Castle Rock, Colorado a year-round joy in which to live.