A birthday surprise for the ages

Oct 16, 2014

Pat Sarson went to mass at St. Patrick's Church on Thursday morning, her 85th birthday, and expected to spend a quiet day with family. Her children had other plans.

When Sarson exited St. Patrick's, she was greeted by the Wareham High School Marching Band, a big "Happy 85th Birthday" banner, and her loving friends and family.

"We wanted to do something to surprise her," said Tom Sarson, one of Pat's sons who traveled all the way from Columbus, Ohio.

Sarson, along with his siblings Jay and Jean, thought the idea of a marching band would be different. Tom contacted Heather Ware, the director of the Wareham High School Marching Band, and the two put the birthday spectacle together.

"I'm so shocked I can't even believe it," said Sarson after the band played. "I don't think I've ever seen a marching band play in front of a church before."

The band took the short walk from the High School to St. Patrick's Church, located at 82 High St., and played three songs for Sarson: "Victory March (Notre Dame Fight Song), "Happy Birthday" and the Wareham High School Fight Song.

There's no word on what the Sarsons plan to do on Pat's birthday next October, but whatever it is, Pat will certainly be on her toes.