As you know, yesterday was July 4th, our nation’s birthday. Normally, we all celebrate (I think) with cook-outs and fireworks. Being here in Germany, we still do that as there are enough Americans in the community to celebrate. The neat thing is that the Germans will come out and celebrate with us.
Also, this year marks the 100th year of Grafenwoehr being a military post. There have been all kinds of activities throughout the week, such as a recreation of the first shot fired here and culminated in a big celebration yesterday.
I work part time at the craft shop on post. As such, I am an employee of MWR (Morale, Welfare, Recreation) and had to work yesterday. It wasn’t too bad. My co-workers and I had to run a food tent selling hamburgers, cheeseburgers and steak. I got to take the money since I don’t have a food handler’s card.
The weather co-operated a bit as it wasn’t quite as hot and humid and it was overcast with a breeze so it was comfortable all day. There were those blow-up things with the balls for kids to play in, food (as I mentioned) and a couple bands, finishing off with a bang. Literally. Fireworks, you know.
One of the bands was a local German band. I didn’t catch their name so I can’t pass it along, but they were pretty good. The other band was pretty cool. They played covers, but the vocals were good and they got the crowd going. The USO brought them in from the States. Maybe you’ve heard of them. The Lt. Dan Band. Yes, Gary Sinise’s band.
Gary Sinise, currently of CSI: NY fame, plays bass in the band. He’s pretty good. Afterwards, some of the soldiers and their spouses got to have their picture taken with him. I wasn’t so lucky, but it was neat that he flew all the way here with his family to party with us.
So, that’s how I spent my 4th of July. How about you? How did you celebrate?
15 hours ago
6 comments:
Wow!! What a cool why to spend the 4th of July!!=) It's just slightly after midnight here in Hawaii so things have calmed down!
We did the whole enjoy family and friends, pop firworks and then watch the big fireworks show!
I think it is super cook that you got to see Gary perform!!=)
Have a great week!
I adore Gary Sinise. That was an unexpected surprise. I saw him at Disney World in Orlando, FL giving a Christmas program one year. Outstanding. Thanks for sharing!
I love Gary Sinise, ever since I saw him in Forest Gump. Sounds like a good time. We had a quiet day. Visited our sick friend who is still in the hospital and then went to her house to take care of her cats. We did see some fireworks from the back of our house.
I wanted to be in Germany, but had to be here in California instead. So we went to CBS studios (hey, doesn't our friend Gary Sinise work there?) for the fireworks. YOu can see them here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8nyhwhDn0E
I am very jealous because I love Gary Sinese and what he does for the troops. My son trained pre-Iraq deployment at Grafenwoefer in 2005 and my sister-in-law and family lived there in the 60s when her dad was an Army Chaplain. Glad to hear you celebrated the 4th with Americans and the locals. A great country you're in.
Thanks for sharing... Are you posted on a base in Geremy. I would have loved to give back to my country, I admire those who do. I had cancer hen I was little. Thank you all you do. It was nice to hear Mr Sinise brought his wife and kids too. God Bless you...
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