Wednesday, May 26, 2004

Atlanta Pops to perform free concert at Villages Amphitheater Stars and Stripes Forever

Fayetteville is “celebrating America” in a big way on Saturday with the help of the well-known Atlanta Pops orchestra directed by John Head. It will be a true American tribute with a program that includes vocal and instrumental arrangements of America the Beautiful; You’re a Grand Old Flag, God Bless America, the Armed Services Medley, Stars and Stripes Forever and more. The program is free and residents are encouraged to bring their picnic baskets, and chairs and blankets. Seating will also be available at the amphitheater.

The evening’s festivities will kick off at 7 p.m. with a patriotic program that salutes those who have served, and are now serving in the armed forces. The speakers for the evening are special guests Lt. General John D. Hopper and Congressman Mac Collins, with Major General Ted Mallory emceeing the program. There will be a military fly-by and recognition of all those presently serving in Iraqi Freedom.

Lt. General John Hopper is currently the Vice Commander, Air Education and Training Command with headquarters at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. The command recruits, trains and educates more than 370,000 men and women for the aerospace force and the nation.

Representatives from Wal-Mart will present the winner of the Fayetteville Celebrates America art contest a new computer, with a $500 award going to the school's art program.

Ben Bauman, Cmdr of American Legion Post 105, will promote their new Troops Care Package Program, and unveil the details of their “Wall of Honor” which is currently located outside of the American Legion Building.

The Memorial Day Tribute concert will kick off the Fayetteville Celebrates promotion that will span six months and include God and Country Night at the amphitheater on July 11, and conclude with the Sara Evans concert on Sept. 11. For further information regarding any of the events, contact the Main Street Dept. at 770-461-6029.