The Naperville Municipal Band’s “Salute to America” ignited patriotism with a blast from the past when re-enactors portrayed militia from the Civil War Thursday night in Central Park.
Thousands of loyal concert goers attend year after year to experience NMB Director Ron Keller’s conducting Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s rousing “1812 Overture,” complete with cannon firing and bells.
And again, narrator Ann Lord told the audience how music by a Russian composer, celebrating the victory of Russian forces over the French army of Napoleon in 1812, has come to represent American patriotism on the 4th of July, the holiday when this nation celebrates the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence from Great Britain in 1776.
Added this year along the front of the stage were 13 banners that express gratitude to Naperville’s fallen who served in the 12 wars since this city was established in 1831. First displayed for 2018 Memorial Day observances in front of the Community Concert Center in May, the banners help tell the story of this community’s sacrifice for our nation’s freedom and independence.
Every year, Central Park sets up for the large crowd that attends the Naperville Municipal Band’s annual “1812 Overture” performance and Independence Day Concert. Stage door goes up at 7:30PM.
For 2019, Independence Day is on a Thursday. Stay tuned!
