VA Hospital

[John Masciale]

This weekend we attended an event up in Milwaukee at the Old Soldier's Home.  There were representatives of American military from every war.  It was a very large event and well run.  Sadly, for a number of reasons it is likely to be the last time this event will occur.

 

Elaine, Elise and I were playing a little music on Saturday, and someone passing by overheard us, and asked if we would like to play for spinal injury patients on the top floor of the VA hospital there on the grounds.  We were honored to play on Sunday for over an hour.  The strains of Dixie, Battle Hymn of the Republic, Lucy Long, When Johnny Comes Marching Home, Keemo Kimo, Jim Along Josie, Boatman's Dance, Oh Susanna, Gwine to Run All Night, and a number of other tunes echoed down the hallways on banjo, bones, whistle, and tambourine.  We had one vet dancing in his wheelchair.  It was a very memorable moment.  The study and playing of this music is fun, but opportunities like this make it even more worthwhile.