A powerful Tony Bennett memory is surfacing today.
It was May 2012. For months, the buzz surrounding the Golden Gate Bridge’s 75th anniversary had been building here in San Francisco.
The finale on the evening of the 27th promised to be a historical spectacle. (1/3)
We walked down to Crissy Field early, blankets, snacks and drinks in tow, hoping to grab a spot with a view. The yacht clubs to our right, Sausalito and Tiburon across the bay, and the renowned birthday girl spanning the golden gate to the left.
Finally, after the sun had set, the activity and commotion around us died down and it became evident that the ceremony was about to begin. (2/3)
Suddenly, a familiar voice boomed through the darkened landscape. “The loveliness of Paris seems…” And then the chorus, “I left my heart in San Francisco…”
The excited voices of the crowd subsided as our city’s honorary elder statesman echoed across the hills and the bay. It could have felt cliche, but it didn’t.
An unforgettable fireworks display ensued which culminated in a dazzling waterfall of fireworks spilling over the length of the bridge. (3/3)
RIP Tony Bennett
Bravo & thank you
Andrew Spoeth