Faith and patriotism on display as Cedar Area Interfaith Alliance hosts musical concert and ice cream – St George News

CEDAR TOWN — About 200 people gathered in Cedar City Sunday night for a free patriotic concert and ice cream party hosted by the Cedar Area Interfaith Alliance.

Members of the Southern Utah Youth Choir sing during a patriotic concert sponsored by Cedar Area Inter-Faith Alliance, Cedar City, Utah, July 3, 2022 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News/Cedar City News

The hour-long program, which was held at Christ the King Catholic Church, featured a variety of musical numbers, including “This is My Country,” “America the Beautiful” and “God Bless America” ​​from the Village Voices Choir; and “Thank You, Soldiers” and “Be a Light” by the Southern Utah Youth Choir. Additionally, the audience sang along to several popular songs, including “Yankee Doodle Dandy”, “This Land is Your Land”, “You’re a Grand Old Flag”, and “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee”.

The program also included remarks from retired US Army Col. Brent Anderson and Capt. Angelina Turner, who is actively serving in the Army National Guard.

“I believe doing patriotism requires serving our God, serving our country and our fellow man,” Anderson said. “Faith lends expressions of hope, love and peace, while patriotism shows our love of freedom and country.”

“We must use faith and patriotism to shape character, teach honesty, gratitude, forgiveness and patience,” he added. “We must be torchbearers of charity, compassion and kindness for the forgotten and downtrodden.”

Anderson quoted Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain’s words after the Battle of Gettysburg as he addressed the question of why he and his men were fighting.

“Many of us have volunteered to fight for the Union. Some came mainly because we were bored at home and it seemed like fun. Some came because we were ashamed not to. Many came because it was the right thing to do.

Retired U.S. Army Col. Brent Anderson speaks at a patriotic concert sponsored by Cedar Area Inter-Faith Alliance, Cedar City, Utah, July 3, 2022 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News/Cedar City News

Anderson concluded by quoting the Bible verse from 1 Peter 2:16, which states, “Live as free people, do not use your freedom to cover up evil, but live as servants of God.

Turner spoke about her own experience serving in the military and talked about the recruits she currently oversees in the Recruit Support Program, which undergoes basic training.

“I’m so grateful to be part of this process that takes civilians and turns them into soldiers,” she said. “To take these men and women and see their pride in their country grow into something incredible.”

Other highlights include a recitation of Kenneth Wells’ poem “True Patriots of the Land,” read aloud by Melanie Whitney, plus violin solos from Kailey Gilbert, who performed “The Star-Spangled Banner.” and “Amazing Grace”. Reverend Adrian Komar also spoke briefly and delivered the invocation. Members of the American Legion Post 74 handled the flag ceremonies, including the presentation and removal of the colors.

After the program ended, people gathered outside and lined up for ice cream and sorbets as teenage fiddlers Derek Wood and Callie Price played a variety of numbers under the pavilion. Dessert was served by members of the interfaith alliance.

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Copyright St.George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2022, all rights reserved.

Jeff Richards, a Salt Lake City native with family roots in Panguitch, lived in Moab for 20 years before joining St. George News in 2017. Jeff is a longtime reporter and high school teacher. He and his wife Penny are the parents of five daughters. They also have two young grandsons. Jeff and his family enjoy swimming, camping, sightseeing, reading and taking photos.

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