Neighbors Enjoy Sounds by the Sea

Residents wave flags during Sounds by the Sea
Photo by April Havens/Mississippi Press
Used by Permission



PASCAGOULA -- Ginger L. and her husband live close enough to Pascagoula's beach that they could sit on their porch and listen to the music wafting across the air from Sounds by the Sea.

People Flock to Hear Sounds by the Sea
The Mississippi Press/May 30, 2011

Still, the couple walked to the Memorial Day tribute held Sunday at Pascagoula Beach Park, where about 3,00 residents from across Jackson County and other cities in South Mississippi enjoyed the patriotic sounds honoring fallen members of the military.

That number was down from the estimated 5,000 yearly attendants, but enthusiasm was no less among the crowd that waved miniature flags and clapped to familiar songs in honor of each military branch.

Music, Fireworks Over Pascagoula Beach
The Sun Herald/May 30, 2011

"We pretty much come every year," she said. "Some years I've missed. We live close enough that we can walk. We like to bring the grandbaby."

Ginger said that she's been busy those years that they didn't attend the holiday concert, though they've never stayed home to listen to the beachside musical. However, many of her neighbors make the symphony concert a home event.

"When we were walking here some of our neighbors we sitting in lawn chairs," said Ginger. "While I was walking here it waas loud and clear."

Thousands Gather in Pascagoula for Sounds by the Sea
WLOX-TV 13/May 29. 2011

The Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra sponsors Sounds by the Sea each year, 2011 marking the ninth year. The Freedom Chorus of Pascagoula opened the concert held in Jackson County. David Knowles led the group.

This year, the pre-concert on Saturday was provided by the South Mississippi Gulf Coast Chorale and Coastal Vibrations from the Jeff Davis Campus of Missisippi Gulf Coast Community College. The concert was held at Centennial Plaza, former Veterans Administrations property in Gulfport.

During the concert in Pascagoula, symphony conductor John Strickler said that some people think of Memorial day as just another three-day weekend. He said the "Navy Hymn" would help inspire residents to remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for America.

"I think it's good for the families that did lose someone," said Ginger of Sounds by the Sea. "For the families it shows that they didn't just die in vain. Their memories live on forever."