May 28 — Memorial Day in the right mood

Charleston does Memorial Day very well.  We attended the Charleston Men’s Chorus concert at St. Philip’s Church and the focus was on honoring those that gave their lives in the service of our country. It was not, as speakers at the event noted, a”happy” occasion. It was one of respect — and glorious music.

This year’s keynote speaker was a retired Marine colonel, who, unfortunately, paled compared to the Army nurse we heard two years ago. Nonetheless, he was heartfelt and imposing with a chest full of campaign ribbons, a Silver Star and two Purple Hearts. He wasn’t a very good speaker, but he was sincere and had at least one funny line about politics….. “we have a two party system and one of them is useless and the other scary.” I leave it to you to figure out which one is which.

One of the highlights of the concert each year is a medley of songs representing each branch of the service. As the music soars, they ask for veterans (and current service members) to stand as their branch song is played. When we attended two years ago, Cliff remarked that it was the first time since he came back from Vietnam that he was honored for his service. Too long. He stood again this year as the Army’s “go rolling along” tune was sung with gusto.

We also attended a choral concert of renaissance music by the Atlanta Schola Cantorem, a small group with terrific voices. The soparanos have incredibly high notes to hit for most of the performance as they provide the contrast for the descant dominated music. Somber, mostly, and appropriate for the day.

The concert was held at a church we’d been to last year for an organ concert. One of the things I noticed then (and did not get a picture of) was the needlepoint kneeling benches. They are all different and the individuals who made them sign their names or initials along with the date. The ones in our pew ranged from 1988 to 2016. A beautiful, individual touch I think. And in a world where churches are often male dominated, these pieces of needlepoint seemed to give women a very visible voice.

Late lunch at a dive! The Craftsman….zillions of beers, a VERY abbreviated wine list and odd appetizers. Pickles! Deconstructed loaded potatoes (i.e., potato slices with sour cream, bacon, green onion and loads of hot sauce).