This year during the annual Veteran’s Day celebration, sponsors are adding a musical program as a way to celebrate the many veterans and their service and dedication to the country.
The Clinton-Sampson Chamber of Commerce, the County of Sampson and the Sampson County Exposition Center will be jointly sponsoring the 17th Annual Veterans Day Celebration in November.
According to Laura Deans, director of the Chamber, this year’s veteran’s celebration will feature a musical program, “The Celebration Choir.” This will be a community choir made up of individuals from across Sampson County who share a love of music and community spirit. Sponsors are currently seeking participants.
The choir will be under the direction of Phyllis Stallings, musical director at Grove Park Baptist Church.
“The celebration choir has been done in the past,” Deans said. “It’s something I always enjoyed coming to as a kid. We felt it was something that would be a great idea to bring back.”
Deans said the sponsors are extending an invitation to the members of the community, especially those who may sing in their church choir, to join the celebration in honoring the veterans.
“We encourage participation from all that would like to contribute their talents in this special program honoring Sampson County veterans,” Deans said. “If any member of a choir is interested and would like to join the choir or additional information, please call the Chamber of Commerce office at 592-6177.”
According to Deans, there will be an initial interest meeting for those who wish to participate at Grove Park Baptist Church Sept. 14 at 6:30 p.m. During this meeting, a schedule of rehearsals will be distributed, as well the music and scripts for the program. The performance will be held on Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. at Prestage Hall at the Sampson County Exposition Center.
Deans, along with Ray Jordan, Sampson County Exposition Center director, sent letters to area churches seeking participation in the choir.
The letter encourage churches to announce the opportunity to the church members through the church bulletin and calendars.
Proclaimed in 1919 as Armistice Day by President Woodrow Wilson, Veterans Day is now celebrated around the country to honor all those who have served in the United States Armed Services.
The November celebration will feature the Armed Services salute, with colors being presented by VFW Post 7547. In addition to the performance by the choir, a special guest speaker will be present.
This will be the 17th year the celebration has been held in Sampson County, allowing residents to pay tribute to all those who have served their country.
Doors typically open one hour prior to the service at 10 a.m. and the public is invited to attend. All activities will be held in the Prestige Hall, and is free to attend.