Patriotic Sing
Monday, July 3 6:00 pm • Morgan Hill Downtown Amphitheater
“ I am the Patriotic Sing. Over the past twenty-nine years, I have taught hundreds of Morgan Hill children the lyrics of America’ s traditional Patriotic songs. I have honored those who serve in our military, both those currently serving, and those who have served. And, I have made generations of wonderful friends along my journey.
I was the idea of two Morgan Hill residents, Dr. Ronald Mackley and Hal Hendrickson. They wanted to revive a turnof-the-century tradition of children singing Patriotic songs on the Eve of the 4th of July in Morgan Hill. They contacted Karen Ann Crane, a local music teacher, and asked her if she would be interested in helping.
Karen, who had taught first grade at Vandenberg Air Force Base, was really interested. At Vandenberg, during the Vietnam era, patriotism was present everywhere. When she came to teach in San Jose, she was saddened that students didn’ t know the lyrics to songs like“ This Land is Your Land” and“ God Bless America”. I would help her teach children these songs.
My first performance was in 1988. I was titled“ God Bless the U. S. A.”, named after the popular Lee Greenwood song. The Britton Middle School Gym became my home for the next twenty-six years.
It soon became apparent that my young singers knew the lyrics of my songs and it was time to add another component to my program. I began honoring our military heroes, both those who have served and those who are currently serving.
I created a“ Wall of Heroes” by having children bring in the names of family members and friends who had served in the military. These names were placed on stars and
hang proudly at each of my performances. I love watching people take pictures of these stars and then send those pictures off to deployed loved ones. I also love seeing Vietnam Veterans standing proudly by their star, holding the hand of a grandchild. Our“ Wall” has over four hundred names of our local heroes.
The South Bay Chapter of the Blue Star Moms has become my good friend. They always attend my performance, bringing with them pictures of their sons and daughters who are serving in our Armed Forces. They also bring paper and pencils for our chorus members and audience to write notes of encouragement to our soldiers.
I am not alone in my efforts to provide a fantastic 4th of July for the children of Morgan Hill. Freedom Fest, another good friend, supports me and offers children a chance to write essays. This year’ s topic was“ If you could travel to any Historical Site, National Park or Monument, where would you go and why?” Please take time to read the essays in this program.
My chorus sings at the Patriotic Sing, Freedom Fest Family Music Fest, and at the Fireworks extravaganza. They also sing their socks off along the parade route in Freedom Fest’ s Fourth of July Parade. Thanks to Bill Jacobson Trucking for providing our parade float.
I am now in my second generation of singers. I’ ve moved to the Morgan Hill Amphitheater. Though our traditional songs remain, there are always new singers to carry them forward. I am proud to be able to bring each of you“ our songs”, the songs of America. I hope to see you at 6 p. m., July 3rd, as we celebrate this wonderful country of ours, and say,“ Happy Birthday, America.”
Sincerely, Your Freedom Fest Patriotic Sing
With help from my long-time friend, Karen Ann Crane
America’ s NATIONAL PARKS H Morgan Hill Freedom Fest 2017 17