Evolution Dance will kick off Independence Day weekend with a salute to veterans with dancing, music and singing. But something else has a bigger emotional impact – a letter home, and an empty table.
“Flags, Freedom and Fireworks” will honor veterans from all of America’s conflicts, on July 1, at 4 and 7 p.m. in Savannah Center. One of the most poignant moments comes while remembering Vietnam veterans.
The “Missing Man Honors Table” – also called the “Fallen Comrades Table”—honors the memories of those fallen in battle on MIA.
“We will never forget those Americans,” Jack Filkins says during the production. “And we honor all those who served …those who have donned the same proud uniforms, being sworn to the same faith and allegiance. We will never forget their sacrifice.”
Later, Filkins would say in an interview that he interprets the symbolic table, “from a freedom point of view.” He added it’s not about furniture, but about those who gave all for freedom.
An actual letter written during that Vietnam War will also be read. It details what combat is all about, including stories of life, death, hospital stays and survival.
Filkins and Sue Schuler play the parents receiving the letter, and both were deeply moved reading it at a recent rehearsal.
“It’s very emotional and very powerful; you can feel it just standing there,” Schuler said. “I’m standing there reading it and it goes right through me,” Filkins added.
Evolution Dance kicked off the July 4th weekend extravaganza last year, which benefits Operation Helping Hand for veterans and their families.
“We want to make this an annual event,” said Diane Vargas, artistic director of the dance company. She added 24 dancers will participate. “We took the best from last year and added things to make it better.”
This year’s show will feature three new dance numbers: “Crazy Feet,” featuring
Helene Yelverton. “Remembering the Hero,” which honors female veterans. A ballet, featuring Judy Jonas, will highlight “God Bless America.”
Back from last year is Frank Olive, reading a speech made famous by Robin Williams called “I Am Flag.”
Other highlights include rousing production numbers from World War II on such classics as “Sing Sing Sing,” “In the Mood,” and “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.”
Vietnam-era songs include “Ballad of the Green Berets” and Billy Joel’s powerful “Goodnight Saigon.”
The final segment of the show includes such standards as “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” “Strike Up the Band” and “God Bless America.”
