At the beginning of every Regular Session of the Fort Wayne Common Council, the Colors are presented. Â Together the audience recites the Pledge of Allegiance which is usually followed by a moment of silent prayer. Â This is always a moment to reflect on our good fortune of living in a great country such as ours.
Tonight however, Council President Tom Didier sang the National Anthem to us, as introduced by Councilman Glynn Hines. Â Almost everyone in this community who’s ever been to a Komets game knows that Council President Didier sings the National Anthem before most Komets home games. Â He also sings for other occasions as well. Â He sang at a friend of mine’s mother’s funeral a few years back which meant a lot to him. Â
Music transcends all boundaries and unlike the spoken word, is more efficient in striking to the very center of our being. Â I’ve been to New York, Chicago, San Diego, Washington DC, Cleveland… Â I’ve heard many of the great operatic voices of our time live – Domingo, Pavarotti, Mirella Freni, just to name a few. Â But the experience of watching and hearing Tom sing tonight will always be in the upper-most levels of my memories. Â You have a great God-given talent for which we are all better for you sharing it with us tonight. Â THANK YOU!
httpsv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQ9db15jlc4
Not included on the video, shortly after the applause died down, I heard Councilman Didier say, “Let’s play hockey!”
Previously, at the end of the Committee Session, Council Vice-President Tom Smith presented Council President Tom Didier with a plaque commemorating his first year as President. Â The Plaque reads, “Fort Wayne Common Council President 2008, Thomas S. Didier”. Â These photos were taken after the end of the Regular Session.