|
Post by Basil on Jun 28, 2009 16:15:12 GMT -5
As Independence Day was upon them, it had seemed like a particularly good time to visit the American Adventure, as the pavilion was called. Rather grandiosely, Basil thought.
Still, it was his host country. And he had found the show enlightening as to American history. Although the bit about that unpleasantness in 1776 was a trifle one-sided.
Upon exiting, Basil encountered a marching band which stopped to entertain guests.
|
|
|
Post by Gadget on Jun 29, 2009 15:49:58 GMT -5
The Fourth of July was Gadget's favorite holiday, so she decided to spend it...where else? In the American section of Epcot.
She spotted her friend Basil perched on a stone wall just as a band playing "Yankee Doodle" marched up to the courtyard. Hurrying over with a wave and a friendly "Hi," Gadget settled herself nearby.
"Mind if I sit here? I bet this'll be a swell concert."
|
|
|
Post by Basil on Jul 1, 2009 15:46:13 GMT -5
Basil stood as Gadget approached and tipped his hat.
"Please do, Miss Gadget," was his reply.
They had just settled themselves on the wall when the band began the first piece. At the first note, everyone in the audience stood; it was the American national anthem.
Although unfamiliar with the song, Basil stood likewise, as he would in any country, removing his hat respectfully, and only sitting again when the song was over.
|
|
|
Post by Gadget on Jul 2, 2009 16:23:38 GMT -5
Gadget wasn't much of a singer, but of course she sang right along with the Star-Spangled Banner.
After that, everyone sat down again to listen. The band played all the well-known patriotic songs: America the Beautiful, You're a Grand Old Flag, God Bless America, My Country 'Tis of Thee...
Gadget loved these tunes and happily tapped her foot to the music.
|
|
|
Post by Basil on Jul 3, 2009 17:38:34 GMT -5
Though the songs were unfamiliar to him, the musicians were quite talented, and Basil was enjoying a pleasant afternoon with pleasant company.
Just then, a new tune began, a stirring air he'd not heard in far too long a time. Why, they were playing 'God Save the Queen.'
Basil stood proudly to his feet, holding his hat over his heart. Uncommonly decent of them, he thought, to acknowledge the friendship between our two countries.
|
|
|
Post by Gadget on Jul 4, 2009 8:45:01 GMT -5
Huh? Why did Basil suddenly jump to his feet for 'My Country 'Tis of Thee'?
Gadget knew he was British...so maybe he didn't recognize the National Anthem when he heard it. But still, to stand for the wrong song was so embarrassing.
Everybody was staring at Basil in such a weird way that Gadget felt bad for him. Impulsively, she stood, too, and took his arm in a friendly gesture of solidarity.
|
|