It was a patriotic birthday party, worship service and history lesson rolled into one when Christians from multiple denominations came together Sunday at the bandshell in Jack Kilby Square for a patriotic concert celebrating the 250th birthday of the United States.
The crowd spread out to find shady spots in the 95-degree heat.
The event opened with a prayer from Great Bend Seventh-Day Adventist Church Pastor Joe Arner, who gave thanks to God and asked for His blessing on the celebration.
Arner served as the emcee and performed during the program.
Melanie Ryan performed the Star-Spangled Banner, and Stewart McGillivray, dressed as Thomas Jefferson, delivered a recitation. Scott Rogers read Emma Lazarus’s famous poem “The New Colossus,” originally written to raise funds for the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty. The complete 14-line sonnet is cast onto a bronze plaque mounted inside the pedestal.
A highlight of the evening came when Alberto Mora shared his personal journey to citizenship. Born in Mexico, Mora left friends and family behind to move to the United States, adjusting to a new language, a new culture and a different way of life. He said he came seeking opportunity, family and the hope of building a better future.
Mora credited Doris Reile, a teacher at Barton Community College, with helping him learn English and prepare for the requirements of citizenship. After earning his green card, he set his sights on naturalization, and has since passed both the citizenship test and interview. He is now awaiting his naturalization ceremony.
“No matter where you come from, no matter how many obstacles stand in our way, we can achieve great things if we refuse to give up,” Mora told the crowd. He closed by expressing gratitude for his opportunities, his family and everyone who believed in him along the way, saying, “God bless you all, and God bless America.”
Roberto Hernandez also spoke about “What citizenship means to me.”
The concert also featured choir performances and solos, with attendees joining in on well-known songs including “God Bless America,” “America the Beautiful” and “I’m Proud to be an American.”
Other performers included Dave Ward, Eric Bauder, Russell Hunter, Dr. Bell and Hanitra Razafindrabe, Raza and Nicole Manase, Joe and Tammy Arner, Cathy Rhan, Ronald Harders, Clifann Birney, Nathan Fuentes, Doris Reile, Kristi Hooks, Jeremy Guthrie, Bill Spece and Erica Brining.
Sound production for the event was donated by Gary Parr.
The event closed with a prayer from Buzz Birney from Live Like Jesus Today Ministries, who reflected that America is not perfect, “but we are still, 100 times over, the most blessed nation in the world.”
He added, “America is still beautiful. I’m thankful to be an American.”
