Let me sum up the show at the AUSA opening ceremony for you: Army on Broadway.
The pageant of soldiers-past that usually opens the AUSA convention is trying hard to be earnest, but for soldiers and NCOs in the audience it might be hard to not secretly laugh at the thought of Korean and Vietnam-era soldiers breaking into Glee-style song.
The stage show points its Broadway lights at soldiers dressed up in uniforms of wars past. Particularly, err, persuasive was the Soldier’s Creed echoing from the stage, as a soldier tried to convince you she would “engage and destroy the enemies of the United States of America in close combat” — right after listening to a soldier sing “lean on me, when you are not strong, and I’ll be your friend…”
A lot more compelling were the photos that flashed in the screen behind the stage show. The images depict soldiers fighting previous wars, including Vietnam soldiers carrying a buddy in a stretcher through waist deep mud.
Those images do more justice to the soldiers of past wars, and come closer to connecting to the soldiers of today who have fought in Iraq and Afghanistan, than a Broadway-style song.
3 Comments
Wow. I’m surprised you feel that way. With the struggles many soldiers are going through, I very much appreciate the messages that came across through the songs about supporting one another, especially, “Lean on Me”. Everyone around me seemed to enjoy the performances given by the soldiers in The Old Guard and U.S. Army Band. Good teamwork all around.
I agree with Karin, though not there in-person, being a subscriber and member of AUSA for several years, and giving the Alum leadership of the organization whom are all great Americans and Patriots undoubtedly, I would think the “Broadway style” show was well-received and appreciated for those present and past; Outside-the-Box thinking to connect with the audience – spot on!!!!!!!!!
“Broadway style” is not for soldiers. We seem to have a huge problem realizing that if we are going to continue to be recognized as heroes in our own country, that we should take a page out of the book of our greatest generation and stop gloating and making a big deal out of ourselves or our accomplishments. Being humble, respectful, and being true to our volunteer status in the support of freedom and service for country isn’t in any way depicted by singing, dancing, prancing, showboating, or any thing else injected with Broadway style “glee”. Act like real soldiers is what I say. If you’re on stage as a soldier you should be ashamed of yourself unless they’re pinning a medal on your chest for accomplishments on the battlefield or paying respects to those that gave the ultimate sacrifice in an honorable manner. NOT in a manner befitting a high school musical, LET ALONE a musical sitcom about the trials and tribulations of homosexual teenagers and their friends who wish they made it in New York.