Windy Fourth

Something happened at a Texas Rangers game a few weeks ago that was really heartwarming. No, they didn't win--that would actually go in the miracle file. A group of soldiers, freshly returned from Iraq, managed to get a full 10-minute standing ovation. The Rangers could have beaten the Red Sox 21-0, and they wouldn't have managed such an outpouring. Frankly, it was pretty surprising. Folks have a lot of opinions about the war, but it's nice to see all of that chucked out the window when it comes to appreciating the sacrifices that a bunch of 20-year-old kids attending a ball game have made. That's truly the meaning of the 4th of July to a lot of people, and there's no better way to really experience it than listening to the swells of the music played by the Dallas Wind Symphony as part of their Star-Spangled Spectacular. Colonel Thomas H. Palmatier, Commander and Conductor of the United States Army Field Band, will lead the acclaimed local symphony in the standards that we all know but may hear a little differently this year. The festivities start at 1 p.m. at the Meyerson Symphony Center, 2301 Flora St. Tickets are $14 to $35. Call 214-528-5576 or visit dws.org.
Wed., July 4, 1 p.m.