‘Celebrate America’ concert hopes to unite community
U.S. Army Materiel Command Concert Band and a 100-voice choir from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will present the “Celebrate America” concert.
Huntsville, Lifestyles, Madison, Madison County Record, News, Z - News Main
 By  GreggParker Published 
12:07 pm Thursday, June 15, 2017

‘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.

Also on The Madison Record
Space Command relocation to Huntsville to bring area growth
A: Main, Madison County Record, News, ...
Staff Reports 
September 10, 2025
HUNTSVILLE — Officials expect at least 1,400 jobs to be directly added to the north Alabama area with the U.S. Space Command Headquarters permanently ...
Newly elected Madison mayor to depart US Chess role
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
Ranae Bartlett was named US Chess Executive Director in 2024
By JOHN HARTMANN US Chess Press 
September 10, 2025
MADISON - It is said that no one can serve two masters. And so US Chess Executive Director Ranae Bartlett is trading Caïssa for the people of Madison,...
Triana Fire Department train for medical helicopter operation
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
Gregg Parker 
September 10, 2025
TRIANA – Firefighters who work in Triana Fire Department recently accomplished a new milestone in their training to serve and protect their town. On-s...
Itty Bitty Bakers sweetens the community with classes
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
By KADIE TAYLOR news@themadisonrecord.com 
September 10, 2025
MADISON - Sweeten your day, Itty Bitty Bakers offers baking classes for locals, from 18 months to adults. Itty Bitty Bakers owner Kayla Johnson has be...
Madison Visionary Partners to host Gather Madison, volunteers needed
Events, Madison County Record, News, ...
EVENTS
Gregg Parker 
September 10, 2025
MADISON – In its premiere in 2025, the Gather Madison event will unite residents of all backgrounds at one long table for a free, shared meal in the s...
Kids to Love to go “Over the Edge” for children in foster care Sept. 19-20
Events, Madison County Record, News, ...
Staff Reports 
September 10, 2025
MADISON - Bold, compassionate individuals will be going “Over the Edge” for Kids to Love during a thrilling two-day fundraiser where participants rapp...
The Madison Street Festival is less than a month away
Events, Madison County Record, News, ...
Gregg Parker 
September 10, 2025
MADISON – The first Saturday in October. That’s the day Madison residents turn out to visit with friends and neighbors, promote school groups, shop fo...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *