A Remembrance Dance @ The 2017 Intrepid Battle of the Big Bands

With New York City as the back drop who could go wrong. The night was alive. My Harlem lindy hop family showed up. Many of whom I have taken classes with for the last four years. It was good to see them and dance with them. Some I lead and some I followed. Three bands playing and at least 1,000 people swinging to the beat. For a brief moment the historian in me thought about being on the flight deck of a World War II aircraft carrier and the brave men that once graced its landing. I even thought of Japanese Kamikaze fighter pilots landing on this very deck. Then I thought about the lindy hop and how its a happy dance that promotes good times and then I thought about my love for a dance and music of a time period not so long ago. I felt nostalgic. I remember thinking I am sure during off time these sailors used to dance and very possibly they may have even danced to some of the tunes I am hearing tonight.  So as Gunhild raised her bag pipes and started singin' "When the Saints Go Marching in" it was perfectly appropriate for the nostalgic feelings I was having. In remembrance of those sailors during the Memorial Day Weekend I danced the happy dance on their flight deck.