First, a Bit of Fueling for the Event
And Then: The Show!
Kendal’s traditional Fourth of July celebration was all that more special this year because we were also celebrating the USA’s 250th anniversary.
We hasten to say that photographs are very difficult to take given the lighting in the Gathering Room. But we still wanted to remember this wonderful gathering.
Muriel Fox and Bobbie Roggemann put together a great show. We were all delighted to have Muriel Fox back as our traditional emcee.
And we were, as usual, grateful for the musical talents of Linda Mahoney and Donn Williams.
The Reading of the Declaration of Independence
Long a Kendal tradition is to have the Declaration of Independence read. This year, the Founders’ words were read by our Founders. Here are three:
The Bill of Rights
Another tradition: Reading the Bill of Rights. This year—to balance our Founders’ reading of the Declaration—some of our newest Kendal neighbors took turns with each of the Constitution’s first 10 amendments. Again, a sample of three:
The American Flag: a New Interpretation
The American flag in E Pluribus Unum mode hung in the Gathering Room during the event. A creation of Philip Monteleoni’s, Philip gave a brief talk on what it represented: America as a tapestry woven of immigrants ever since its founding. The stars are still there, and the white stripes, too. The red strips have been reimagined as the flags of many of the countries from whence Americans have originated (there are more flags, but they wouldn’t all fit!).
Philip also read Emma Lazarus’ poem A New Colossus in its entirety. We all know its inspiring end verses:
“Give me your tired, your poor Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
The Gold of the Goldenaires
The Goldenaires provided a new interpretation of The Battle Hymn of the Republic. We will provide more on this next week—stay tuned.
At the end of their performance, there was an announcement of a change in the name of this popular Kendal group. It will henceforth be known as “Linda and the Goldenaires.” Gold, indeed.
Unsung Women of the American Revolution
Bobbie Roggemann brought us Part I of an examination of the great women who have helped shape American history and its great experiment: government by and for the people. With only a brief time to try to squeeze in all women have done to bring our country into being, she promised Part II next year.
The Great Debate
Each year, a question is posed and Kendalites take part in a debate, presenting varying points of view. This year, the question was: Will the United States Elect a Woman President?
Stan Amberg’s approach: Yes, but only if she’s a conservative.
Marjorie Gilbert’s approach: Yes, but over time and only if she’s a moderate.
Barbara Kornfield’s approach: Yes, but only if she is a progressive.
Following the three presentations, the audience voted. The winner: Barbara Kornfield’s argument: Yes, but only if she is a progressive.
Time will tell.
Photos by Harry Bloomfeld