Musically, we have America's March King in John Phillip Sousa and much of his work. As a classical music buff, I love a lot of Aaron Copland, from his Fanfare to Rodeo. John Williams and Ferde Grofé will both be played in this week as well as a lot of "Country & Western", the last bastion of patriotism in this wasteland of pop culture. I'll add a plea for a too-often ignored verse, the 4th stanza of the National Anthem, one that should always be heard on Memorial Day, the 4th and Veteran's Day!
On TV, outside of the fireworks shows from Boston and New York, we have the PBS "Capitol 4th" and that seems to be about it! I MOURN the loss of the evening-long WGBH and A&E presentation of the Boston Pops celebration of the 4th. I still call it a crime that it is no longer available!
Finally, on this topic, other than for a sound spectacular that goes well with fireworks, how did a classical music piece celebrating the failure of Napoleon at Moscow become our 4th of July staple!?!? (I still love it though!)
This year, I will try to watch The Patriot with Mel Gibson at some point during the weekend.
“Gettysburg”. The battle occurred July 1 through 3, 1863.
IMHO, it’s a “must-see” anytime, but especially so on the 4th of July.
So many Oscar-caliber performances!!!
Jeff Daniels, Kevin Conway, Sam Elliott, C. Thomas Howell, Stephen Lang, Richard Jordan (in a truly heart-breaking performance, and unfortunately his last), Martin Sheen as Lee....really, if you haven’t seen it, please do yourself a favor-—and see it!!!
The musical “1776” and “The Patriot” The one with Mel Gibson and Heath Ledger....not the Steven Segal offering. The latter is not a horrible flick, just not in the spirit of the day.
Don’t forget December 15th, Bill of Rights day!
KYPD
1776 and Yankee Doodle Dandy are on TCM this Friday.
“Dead, White and Blue” Walking Dead Marathon on AMC