The question is, what four elements make a most awesome Saturday evening?

K took me to the Denver Navy Day Ball! It was a grand formal affair celebrating the 234th birthday of the U.S. Navy. It was held at the Wings over the Rockies Museum, an old WW2 hangar that was, for that evening, decorated with white linen-clothed tables, candles, and wine glasses amidst restored historic aircraft. The theme was the 1940′s, “Dungarees and Dixie Cups.” The men and women in the different armed forces looked sharp in their dress uniforms (the Marines have it best, I think). Their female guests sashayed in curvy gowns with bright red lips and flowers in their tightly curled hair. Scarily, a handful of husbands made the unfortunate decision to come in zoot suits (oh no!). Not K, he was in a tux. Since this was a surprise for me, we had to spend the afternoon finding something for me to wear, ultimately finding a perfectly fitting, gorgeous gold cowl neck dress from Ralph Lauren. It was so beautiful.

The event started with an hour-long ceremony filled with fascinating military traditions. We stood for the Parade the Colors, Navy Hymn and Taps, raised our glasses in response to the commanders’ toasts, and honored a Pearl Harbor survivor. There was even a small table set for one at the front to remind the guests of comrades in service who are missing in action or prisoners of war. At some point, the oldest and youngest soldier cut the cake with a sword. The program ended with two bells, customarily signaling the end of the day on a ship.

Then it was dinner and dancing… to a live 7-piece swing band! Yessss! The whole evening was sublime!