18 HAPPY BIRTHDAY America ★ Morgan Hill Freedom Fest 2018
Patriotic Sing
Monday , July 3
6:00 pm Morgan Hill Downtown Amphitheater
F or the thirtieth ( Where did the time go ?) year , children from our community will gather to sing the songs of our country on Tuesday , July 3rd , 2018 . This revival of a Morgan Hill tradition began in the late 80s with the Patriotic Sing . This year ’ s Morgan Hill Freedom Fest Patriotic Sing will be held at the Morgan Hill Amphitheater from 6 to 7 p . m . The performance is free to the public and is a gift from our Freedom Fest Patriotic Singers to Morgan Hill , members of our Armed Forces , friends , and families .
Around the turn of the century , children in Morgan Hill would gather together to sing Patriotic songs on the eve of the 4th of July . So , too , today , our chorus gathers to sing the very same traditional songs . However , over the years , the Patriotic Sing has evolved beyond a concert into a tribute to “ Those Who Serve ”. At each of our rehearsals , our Patriotic Singers bring donations for our troops . Members of the South Bay Chapter of Blue Star Moms package these donations , as well as notes of encouragement , and then send these packages to their deployed sons and daughters .
Besides honoring those who serve , the Patriotic Sing serves to teach our children the lyrics to traditional Patriotic songs . If these songs are not sung by our younger generation , they will fade from our memories . The children love singing “ Grand Old Flag ” and “ America , the Beautiful .” More contemporary songs , “ God Bless the U . S . A . and “ All American Me and You ,” are also favorites of our chorus .
Each year , we create a “ Wall of Heroes ”. Our chorus members bring in the names of family members and friends who have served or who are currently serving in America ’ s Armed Forces . We create a Veteran Star for each soldier , citing his or her name , branch of service and location of service . At our performance , relatives can be seen taking pictures of our children standing next to the Veterans ’ Stars . Often pictures are sent to places like Afghanistan , letting our soldiers know that though they are serving , the people of Morgan Hill have not forgotten their sacrifice .
The Sing is but one children ’ s event sponsored by Freedom Fest . In March , children in grades 2 through 5 are invited to enter our Freedom Fest Essay Contest . This year ’ s Freedom Fest theme , “ Happy Birthday , America ”, led to our topic , “ If you could give America a birthday gift , what would it be ? Why ?” Our entries , written by elementary school youngsters were thoughtful and focused on community . Please take a minute to read our winning essays in our Program of Events and on our Freedom Fest website .
On July 4th , following our concert , the Patriotic Singers ride the parade route on an 18-wheeler provided by Bill Jacobson Trucking . We love watching people singing along with us as we pass by the audience of thousands . Later , that evening , we also sing at Fireworks !
We don ’ t limit our performances to the month of July . You will find the Patriotic Singers singing at various community events , including our Veteran ’ s Day and Memorial Day Ceremonies . There is no cost involved in singing with us , and no auditions . Every child should have the opportunity to learn the songs of our country !
18 HAPPY BIRTHDAY America ★ Morgan Hill Freedom Fest 2018