The week before, Covington Veterans Foundation (CVF) the foundation’s founder John Vick devoted this space to all the occasions and customs that put Andalusia one of the most patriotic cities in the United States.
When CVF was founded in the year 2019, the board held the “Celebration of Heroes” as one of the first events to be held in the recently renovated Andalusia High School auditorium. If you attended you’ll not forget listening to the voice the president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, as the celebration of all heroes, and especially those who fought during WWII The program began with:
“YESTERDAY 7 December of 1941, a date that will be remembered forever The United States of America was quickly and specifically attacked by the air and naval forces from Japan’s Empire of Japan.”
In the year 2020, a pandemic caused a year-long hiatus from the event prior to Veterans Day which is when the pattern was created. The 2021 Celebration of Heroes focused on Vietnam veterans. And this year 2023, the emphasis will be on the veterans from Korea. Similar to previous years the program this year will be a celebration of veterans through the performance of patriotic songs and dance, and songs from the past.
We’d like to thank everyone who voted “yes” as show manager Amy Dugger asked them to take part in the show. Being able to get this many performers organized and ready is not an easy task, and we are grateful for the numerous hours of effort that have been put into preparing for Sunday’s performance.
The event is scheduled to take place in The Andalusia High School auditorium, and is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Sunday, November. 5. City ambassadors will assist in helping those who require assistance with parking into and away from the venue. The veterans as well as Gold Star family members will also be honored.
The members from the Andalusia High School Band, led by Dillon Worley, who will perform will include Jordan Jones, Anna Martin K’lyasia woods, Nyla Crittenden Kera Dorsey Karis Dubose Mo’Claire Bradley, Montana Carnley Graycie Ssom, Josie Bryan, Kylie Riley, Sam Lawson, Andy Shelander, Elicia Figueroa, Layla Gunter, Adam Peacock, Nathan Shellhouse, George Brooks, Marvin Washington, and J.P. Hardy.
The members from the Andalusia Ballet and other guest dancers will perform a gorgeous dance with “America the beautiful.” The dancers are Andres Castillo Michael Matthews, Jose Soares, Michael Matthews, Ivy Rogers, Mary-Grace Hammett as well as Mia Baumgartner.
Andalusia Elementary’s Show Choir, founded last year by Cathy Powell, who directs the group, and will be assisted with Barbara Peek, will perform. I challenge anyone who adores America to keep a clear eye when they perform Their “We We Honor We Honor You” salute to all those who have served in the military.
Show Members of the choir include Aida Bryan Jacob Buck, Willow Castleberry, Vivian Jenkins, Swinley Roper, Callie Sightler, Clara Stephens, Asher Stuart, Dallas Tyson, Joy Marie Amis, Ava Anderson, Charlie Bozeman, Flora Byars, Liam Couch, Luke Daniels, Pearson King, Taraji Lawrence, Kinley Lawson, Maggie Massey, Greenie McKee, Shay Omstead, Pacey Warren, Ella Kate Worley, Ava Eisenberger Sophie Floyd, Will Hall, Jocelyn Joyner, Aneissa Perdue Emma Sightler, Karringtin Weaver, Jordan Ellison, Audrey Jordan, Amre Marcotte, Eden Popwell, and Abby Wise.
The brand new Lower Alabama Community Choir, headed by Eric Mancil, will make its premiere on the Sunday. The members consist of Lisa Aplin, Barbrara Brewi, Hannah Cross, Olivia Ennis Tammy Garrison, Nancy Everett, Marilyn Herring, Minna Jerkins, Joan Johnson, Joree Jones, Jennifer May, Kim Miller, Carol Polk, Susan Rodgers, Sharron Short, Robin Smith, Evelyn Zuhse, Maggie Anderson, Mary Cross Beth Dean, Emma Beth Ennis, Rhian Grayson, Sandra Green, Dianne Gresham Harriet Hubbard Katie King, Sylvie King, Sophie Mancil, Jennifer Nevins , Rachael Taylor, Beth Thomasson, Sue Bass Wilson, Bill Avant, Gabe Bracewell, Lee Herring, Dennis Johnson, Ron Nall, Kaelan Smith, Shawn Taylor, Clayton Thomas, Steve Hubbard David Kirkland Chuck Lassiter James Lopez, Edwin May, Jimmy Rodgers, Wayne Ross as well as Danny Zuhse.
Scott Rogers can always be relied on to produce songs from the past as is this one. different. “Colby Carlock and the Hank Williams Revue,” composed comprising Colby Carlock, Scott Rogers, Richard Moore, David Pearce along with Ivy Rogers, will perform many of the well-known Hank Williams songs.
Chief Warrant Officer Five Mike Corsaro will provide some thoughts on what he thinks about the Korean Conflict.
CVF is grateful to all who have been working hard to make the Sunday afternoon’s special event. We are looking forward to welcoming guests for the Celebration of Heroes.
We hope to see you on Saturday November. 11, for 10:00 a.m. Veterans Day Parade and the ceremony immediately after on the Covington Veterans Memorial, which is located in front of Andalusia City Hall.
-” Michele Gerlach is communications director for the city of Andalusia. She also serves as Secretary of the Covington Veterans Foundation.
The article ColumN: ‘Celebration Of Heroes’ is a special occasion for the community was first published in The Andalusia Star-News.
