A Patriotic Day to Remember in Syracuse
Sunday, June 29th, was truly unforgettable as Chautauqua-Wawasee hosted a powerful Patriotic Speakers program and proudly co-sponsored the spectacular Patriotic Pops Concert at Oakwood Resort.
Teddy and Edith Come to Life
A Historical Performance with Heart
The day began at Wawasee High School, where 172 guests stepped back in time with Teddy and Edith Roosevelt: In Their Own Words. Larry and Julia Marple portrayed the Roosevelts, truly bringing the historical couple to life with humor, insight, and heart.
A Moment to Remember
A crowd-favorite moment came when Teddy and Edith Roosevelt stepped down from the stage to meet Theodore Yoder, the youngest attendee. After sharing the origin story of the famous teddy bear, Teddy personally presented Theodore with one of his own. The boy’s grin lit up the auditorium, perfectly capturing the heart of Roosevelt’s legacy and the spirit of the event.
📸Thanks to the support of volunteers like Sheila Miller, we captured several wonderful moments from the performance.
A Record-Breaking Concert on the Lake
Music, Flags, and a Whole Lot of Spirit
Later that evening, the celebration continued lakeside at the Patriotic Pops Concert. Despite the summer heat, a record-breaking crowd of more than 1,800 guests filled the lawn at Oakwood Resort, with over 50 boats cheering and honking from the water.
The Fort Wayne Philharmonic, led by the energetic Caleb Young, delivered a vibrant performance filled with emotion and joy. Teddy Roosevelt, portrayed again by Larry Marple, returned to the stage to open the concert with a booming “Bully!” and a call for everyone to wave their flags.
A Night of Family Fun and Community Pride
Families enjoyed glow necklaces, free flags, face painting, and balloon art throughout the evening. The Syracuse American Legion Post 223 presented a moving tribute during the playing of the National Anthem.
From movie themes like Superman and Jaws (complete with audience participation) to patriotic classics like Armed Forces Salute and Sing Out America, the music filled the air with celebration and community spirit.
A Personal Touch to Close the Night
As the evening came to a close, conductor Caleb Young stepped into the audience, shaking hands and personally thanking more than 25 guests — offering a heartfelt conclusion to a truly remarkable day.
📸 Photo credit: Larry Baumgardt, who beautifully captured the spirit of the Pops Concert.
Want to see more pictures of the event? Take a look at all of the festive photos on our Facebook Page!