Memorial Day, May 27, 2013, is a day to honor America’s fallen soldiers. Come Veterans Day, we will thank all military – active, retired or passed – for their service, but this weekend is for remembering those who gave their lives while protecting ours. So raise you flags to half-staff, stop by a memorial and drop off a bouquet of wildflowers, and take a moment to thank the men and women who served our nation.
This year, I’d like to serve up some oldies but goodies – A little celebration of military dancing! I’d like to start in the modern era with a non-swing dance coming from New Zealand, where soldiers perform a traditional Maori funeral dance for soliders lost in Afghanistan. Then I’d like to offer up a clip of Glenn Miller (and his band); a big band leader and composer who volunteered for the Army (transferred to the Army Air Force) in order to perform for troops and produce counter-propaganda for the allies during WWII. Miller disappeared on over the English Channel in 1944.
To honor Miller’s legacy and those of others who gave their lives to support our military efforts….Happy Memorial Day!
New Zealand Soldiers perform Haka for fallen comrades in Afghanistan
Glenn Miller – Begin the Beguine
The Golden Gate Quartet – The General Jumped at Dawn
Navy Guys Dancing WWII *because it is still one of my favs
Scenes of Jitterbugin’ Soldiers
GI’s swing in The Canterville Ghost 1944
One Girl & Two Boys in Swing Fever 1943
Dean & Jewel swinin’ with the Andrew Sisters, Laurel and Hardy in Buck Privates 1941
Memorial Day Weekend in Orange County
If you’re interested in getting out and joining your fellow OC and LA residence in honoring our fallen heroes, check out the OC Register for events, activities and observances!
