patriotic music

A friend and I attended a patriotic concert this evening.  It was performed by the Imaculate Conception Cathedral Choir and the Cathedral Brass Quintet and a pianist/organist who is a friend of mine.  It was performed at the Cathedral which is a grand old church.  It was a beautiful concert but what I really appreciated the most was the chance to sing along.  The Star Spangled Banner, America the Beautiful, My Country 'Tis of Thee, and God of Our Fathers were all sung by the audience and choir.  It was beautiful and brought back some wonderful memories.  I attended a small Lutheran elementary school and was blessed with a 7th & 8th grade teacher who was a fine musician.  (On the weekends he was the choir director and organist for our church).  I remember singing all of these songs during our class music lessons, often while we were up and marching around the room.  I know our country isn't perfect.  It is, after all, populated by human beings, but it was a real pleasure to unashamedly sing out these wonderful songs. It is OK to hope and pray for the best we can be.