‘Celebrate America’ concert hopes to unite community

HUNTSVILLE – The 2017 “Celebrate America” concert will feature U.S. Army Materiel Command Concert Band and a 100-voice choir from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

On June 24, two concerts times, 5 p.m. and again at 7 p.m., will be available. The concert host will be The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1804 Sparkman Drive NW in Huntsville. Concerts are free and open to the public.

“We recognize God’s hand in the founding of this great nation and wish to express gratitude for the blessing it is to all Americans,” concert organizer Keith Draughon said. “’Celebrate America’ was formed to bring our community together in a spirit of patriotism.”

The concert also is “a reminder of the great blessings of freedom and liberty granted to each of us,” Draughon said.

Local civic and military leaders will narrate the concert, which will honor local veterans.

“I am particularly moved each year when veterans are recognized for their service to our country. The first year, a World War II veteran stood with dignity in the very uniform he had worn during the war,” Draughon said.

This veteran and a few others received a lengthy standing ovation. “I felt a great sense of gratitude to each of them and all the other men and women that have served through the years to preserve our freedoms,” Draughon said.

Jeremy Howe, a 20-year veteran, has performed in Army bands around the world, including programs for presidents Bill Clinton, George Bush and Barack Obama. He completed his career with AMC Band at Redstone Arsenal. Now in his fourth year with Celebrate America, Howe recently retired and now sings in the patriotic choir.

The AMC Band serves soldiers and civilians stationed at more than 140 locations worldwide. The band and its music performance teams travel extensively throughout the country and overseas to support installations.

The choir has members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, representing 15 congregations in North Central and Northeast Alabama, including Madison and Huntsville, publicist Wendy Reynolds said.

Concert narrators will include Dr. Deborah Barnhart with U.S. Space and Rocket Center, Congressman Mo Brooks, Madison Mayor Paul Finley, State Sen. Bill Holtzclaw and WAFF-TV anchor Liz Hurley.

Reservations are available at wecelebrateamerica.org.