Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Symphony at Sunset at Eisenhower Presidential Library Commemorates D-Day - Abilene, Kansas

Symphony at Sunset at Eisenhower Presidential Library Commemorates D-Day



The fifth annual event honors all veterans while bringing families and friends together for a fun outdoor event

The fifth Symphony at Sunset Annual D-Day Commemoration Concert will be held Saturday, June 4 on the grounds of the Eisenhower Presidential Library. This patriotic concert, held on the first Saturday in June, each year pays tribute to all veterans and has become a tradition for individuals and families in the area.

Activities will begin at 4 p.m. and families are invited to come early to enjoy the grounds and facilities of the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home. The Arts Council of Dickinson County is partnering with the Library to provide children's activities. A special tent will be the base for all sorts of fun things for kids to do, including designing special "thank-you" cards for veterans.

The Pop-Up Museum is a new feature this year. Individuals are invited to bring their keepsakes and mementos of World War II to share with others from 4-7 p.m. in the Pop-Up Museum tent. Advance registration is required by calling 785-263-6700. Please note weapons are not permitted on federal property.

The Ft. Riley Commanding General's Mounted Color Guard will perform mounted drills and precision horsemanship. Troopers and horses of this unit are outfitted in the uniforms, accoutrements and equipment of the Civil War period. Soldiers receive their instruction from manuals used by Civil War cavalrymen.

The 1st Infantry Division Band from Ft. Riley will open the concert at 7 p.m. This year's concert selections follow a space theme in commemoration of President Eisenhower's establishment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in 1958. The Band's selections feature space represented in movie themes and pop songs and include songs such as "Magic Carpet Ride," "Aquarius," and "Space Oddity."

Mary Jean Eisenhower will give remarks just prior to the Salina Symphony performance followed by a special retirement presentation honoring Karl Weissenbach, Director, Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home, recognizing Karl's many years of service.

The Salina Symphony headlines the concert at 8:30 p.m., just as the sun is setting.
Furthering the space theme, Symphony selections will include "Fly Me to the Moon," and "When You Wish Upon a Star," featuring vocalists from the 1st Infantry Division Band. Other selections include "The Star Wars Suite," "Star Trek into the Darkness," and military favorites by the combined Symphony and Band.

Marshall Motors of Salina is a corporate sponsor of the Symphony at Sunset. In lieu of a ticket fee, concert patrons are asked to make donations to help with the funding since no tax dollars are used to fund public programs. Donation stations will be set up at several locations on the grounds. The contributions will be used to support next year's performance. This free concert is a #PayWhatYouCan performance.

Those attending the concert are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets and to picnic on the grounds. Food items including sandwiches and snacks, and beverages including soft drinks and beer will be available from area vendors beginning at 4 p.m. 

Concert attendees are encouraged to come early and visit the Museum and tour the Boyhood Home which will both be open until 7 p.m. The Visitors Center/Gift Shop will remain open until 10:30 p.m.

The concert rain date is Sunday, June 5 at 8:30 p.m.

Keep up-to-date with everything in one of our North Central Kansas Community Apps!!

No comments:

Post a Comment