July 5, 2008 9:43 AM

The Son of Thunder at Thunderbird Stadium

Jeff Hammond told me sometime ago he had volunteered me to perform the "Give me Liberty" speech on July 4th at Yucaipa High School's Independence Day celebration. That's a pretty big celebration, with something like 3,000 people in the crowd and lots more out on the street, lined up for the fireworks. I imagine they had so many performers willing to volunteer, that I didn't think it was for real, but then I got a call last week from the Chamber of Commerce, indicating I was to be the last stage performance, right before the fireworks.

I've given the speech quite a few times, but never in a stadium, and I was worried about the echo effect, and, frankly, what it would be like to give the oration in front of a crowd that might be milling about and throwing frisbees and chasing kids and testing out hula-hoops. Well, I am happy to say that the crowd--all 3,000 of them--was very attentive, so attentive and respectful that it was downright humbling for this stressed-out father of six from a living history farm just up the hill.

A performing friend had warned me that in situations like that, you really don't get to see, or hear, the audience's response, so you have to do your best to proceed without the normal feedback of a smaller audience. Brandon Ryder told me, afterward, that whenever "Patrick Henry" mentioned God, cheers and "Amens" went up from various regions of the crowd, and when I was done, a lady rushed over from the middle of the field and had me autograph her New Testament. I don't think I've ever been so honored! (The spontaneous "good job, Dad!" from my kids was pretty nifty too.)

Thanks Yucaipa, for allowing me to take part in your celebration of freedom. I hope I did Mr. Henry justice.

More of the Farm Journal -- July 4, 2008