Kevin Kamenetz
Oregon Ridge Concert
July 2, 2011
Folks, it is great to be in Oregon Ridge tonight.
Virtually every country in the world celebrates their founding with a national holiday. Some do this by marching legions of soldiers and the deadliest weapons of their arsenal down the main streets of their capitals. Others venerate monarchs who represent centuries-old dynasties. But here in America, we do something very different. We sit outside, watch fireworks, spend time with our friends and family, cook out, and eat hot dogs until we can’t move any more. There’s something beautifully simple about this tradition, and I think it says a lot about the character of this country that as the most powerful nation on the planet, we choose to celebrate our nation by finding ways to be with the people who mean the most to us.
Tonight is particularly special though, as we have the opportunity to get this July 4th weekend off to a great start accompanied our very own Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. We are extremely lucky to have a world class musical organization like the BSO so close to the County, and Baltimore County is proud to be one of the symphony’s most loyal and strongest supporters.
This is an orchestra that has earned international recognition, but first and foremost they represent our hometown. They are part of our extended family, and I know all of you join me in telling the musicians up here that we are thrilled that they are back in Oregon Ridge to help us get our 4th of July weekend started on the right note. So thanks to all of you for being here, and I hope you enjoy a night of great music and have a fabulous Fourth.
