Labor Day Concert at West Point

In this rural area the closest unit of our church was a branch a bit of a drive away, which I’d expected, but I was blown away at its diversity. Enough members came from French- or Creole-speaking places that some of the prayers and testimonies were given in those languages.
 
After a brief nap, we went to West Point early to stake out our spots for the evening’s concert. That left plenty of time to take turns holding the fort while others walked around the campus. Like the Hudson River Valley as a whole, West Point is a place I’ve heard about for years but knew almost nothing about. I learned the campus’ location was intentional at a strategic bend in the Hudson River, and that during the Revolutionary War “The Great Chain” was a boom extended across the river to control the passage of ships. They made a small monument from some of these massive links, and I couldn’t imagine the effort involved to deploy it. They called this location “Trophy Point” and also had cannons from previous wars. The campus itself resembled a castle or fortress. I loved seeing the homes of the superintendent, commandant, and their surrounding gardens—only to discover a sign as I was walking back another way saying that the area was only open to students and faculty (whoops!). Also plenty of signage reminding them of their athletic duty to beat Navy.

Concert venue—hard to beat the view!

West Point campus

One of the many cannons on Victory Row

Battle Monument

The Great Chain from the Revolutionary War

Superintendent's House

Another charming home on campus

At last, the concert began in their dedicated stage with a natural bowl for the audience seating to overlook the Hudson. The military band was talented and performed American music covering a range of genres, topped off by a great fireworks show over the river. Definitely worth the trip.

A wonderful musical accompaniment to the beautiful sunset

Fireworks finale