Memorial Day Music

Dear Friends

Yesterday morning, I was moved by hearing a beautiful anthem sung at All Saints' Riverside, called “Blades of Grass and Pure White Stones”:

Blades of grass and pure white stones

Shelter those who’ve come and gone

Just below the emerald sod

Are those who’ve reached the arms of God

 

Buried here with dignity

Endless rows for all to see

Freedom seeds in sorrow sown

‘Neath blades of grass and pure white stones

 

Blades of grass and pure white stones

Cover those who’ve left their home

To rest in fields here side by side

Lest we forget their sacrifice

 

Yesterday afternoon, I had the joy of attending at Trinity Redlands, (with mixed emotions) the final Redlands Community Chorus concert directed by its founder, Jeff Rickard. Along with other former members, I joined the choir for the finale, “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”. They ran out of music when I got to the front, so I had to peer over the shoulder of an alto to follow my part. I still knew it fairly well, but the words and notes were a little smaller than I remember and it didn’t help that a few tears were in the way! The joy continued afterwards while seeing so many fellow choristers I have known for many years. And then we were so happy to see some dear friends from St. John’s Corona who were attending, and enjoyed going out to dinner with them.

Today, Memorial Day, always makes me think of some words from “America the Beautiful” (which I wish was our National Anthem, not only because it is easier to sing but because of the words). The words which I think are especially appropriate today are these from the second verse:

O beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife,

Who more than self their country loved, and mercy more than life!

America! America! God mend thine every flaw,

Confirm thy soul in self-control, thy liberty in law.

I googled the author, Katherine Lee Bates, (see picture above) and was moved by a short video which is a preview of a forthcoming documentary. It is described as “the remarkable life of the poet, novelist, scholar, speaker, teacher, advocate for social reform, and the author of “America the Beautiful.”  

 Remembering those for whom this day is dedicated, we thankfully hung our flag this morning, as we do on Flag Day, 4th of July, Labor Day and Thanksgiving Day.

John

P.S. Thank you Jeff, for so many years of filling my heart with joy while singing under your direction! You introduced me to so much wonderful music---not just the notes, but the words. I am so glad I was accepted and chose to go to the University of Redlands, was called to be curate at Trinity for three years, and continued to sing with you as a member of the community chorus for many more years.