And that's the right term for the Independence Day celebrations at Kendal in 2014!
We actually started our celebrations a few days early. On the evening of Tuesday evening, July 1, a wonderful local choral group, the Vintage Voices, came to Kendal to present their annual July 4th concert. As the name suggests, the members of the chorus are senior citizens. But their voices were full and exuberant, and their program richly satisfying. The theme of the concert was patriotism, and the hallmarks of American society the singers chose to foreground were service to country and equality. The great American patriotic songs were performed – "America, the Beautiful," "God Bless America," and "The National Anthem" – and the audience was encouraged to join in on all of them. Each of the military branches was honored with the presentation of flags, borne in each case by residents who had served in the branch being recognized. Nor were the vital contributions of the myriad of persons who had not been members of the armed forces forgotten, as one choral number specifically celebrated these actions. The evening began solemnly with the posthumous conferring upon a former resident of an award for long and distinguished service to veterans. The concert was both a moment for serious reflection and an occasion for proud celebration.
On the evening of July 3rd the Granville community fireworks show lit up the clear skies over Kendal. Settled back in lawn chairs, residents could watch the colorful pyrotechnic displays while savoring the inevitable booms, bursts, and jolts that accompany them. For what would an Independence Day celebration be without some body-shaking blasts?
On the morning of the Fourth itself a contingent of about twenty residents gathered with two convertibles – our float! – to represent Kendal in the annual Independence Day parade down the main street in Granville. Some rode, some walked. The weather was spectacular, with temperatures in the mid-70s, low humidity, and a light breeze. The various floats represented many of the kinds of organizations that vitalize American communities: schools (public and private), musical groups, service organizations of all sorts and all ages, local businesses, and governmental offices. Children were everywhere. And so were people in colorful and often perplexing costumes. Many, including the Kendal gang, waved small American flags. The parade route was lined with spectators of all ages, ranks deep, often comfortably ensconced in lawn chairs while cheering, smiling, and waving. Some of these spectators were Kendal residents who preferred to watch and clap rather than walk in this spectacular setting. All in all, it was an occasion fit for Norman Rockwell.
Here, courtesy of Emily Conlon, are some photos of Kendal parade participants.
In the early afternoon the residents celebrated the Fourth with one of the spectacular mid-day meals that mark the big summer holidays at Kendal. To continue the Rockwell image, ask yourself this question. What could be more emblematically American than a special meal built around grilled hotdogs and hamburgers; brats and ribs; cole slaw, baked beans, deviled eggs, and corn on the cob; and an array of pies, cakes, and puddings?
It's true that many residents then spent the afternoon viewing the exciting World Cup matches. But that choice merely affirms that the spirit of America – as much on this 237th commemoration of the country's founding as on the grand day itself in 1776 – remains open to new and ever-broader visions.
We had a spectacular Fourth of July at Kendal.
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