This Memorial Day weekend the "family" went to cycle the Berkshires of Massachusetts. We hit the spring green (not dusty) trails, full of confidence that we could master the hills. Unlike the soldiers of old, our only burden was our excess body weight, but we took pride in our efforts: "Till our final ride, It will always be our pride To keep those caissons a rolling along". "The Army Goes Rolling Along" is the official song of the United States Army and is typically called "The Army Song." The song is based on the "Caisson Song" written by field artillery First Lieutenant (later Brigadier General) Edmund L. Gruber, Lieutenant William Bryden, and Lieutenant (later Major General) Robert Danford while stationed at Fort Stotsenburg in the Philippines in March 1908. In 1948, the Army conducted a contest to find an official song, but no entry received much popular support. In 1952, Secretary of the Army Frank Pace asked the music industry to submit songs and received over 800 submissions. "The Army's Always There" by Sam Stept won the contest, and an Army band performed it at President Dwight D. Eisenhower's inaugural parade on January 20, 1953. However, many thought that the tune was too similar to "I've Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts," so the Army decided to keep the tune from the "Caisson Song" but with new lyrics.
Taking a break, we rode our bicycles into Williamstown for some coffee. There's always something going on, and I wasn't disappointed. Although the college was not in session, the high school students had taken over the field for a Tri County Track and Field event. I caught some of the hurdle competition.
You may enjoy reading about these warriors of old: They sat on long, narrow paddle boats called dragon boats!
See links for all the Genesis posts to date: Genesis Through My Eyes
Waldo County, situated in mid-coast Maine along scenic Penobscot Bay, has genuine New England character evidenced by working port towns and quaint rural villages. Visitors are awed by the area's unspoiled beauty. From striking coastal views to sweeping mountain vistas, dramatic natural settings abound. In addition great care has been taken to preserve and refurbish numerous historic landmarks, homes and buildings. Consequently, the Maine of yesteryear is still found here.
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