Here is a portion of the president’s proclamation:

“We will not forget the events of that terrible morning nor will we forget how Americans responded in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in the skies over Pennsylvania — with heroism and selflessness; with compassion and courage; and with prayer and hope. We will always remember our collective obligation to ensure that justice is done, that freedom prevails, and that the principles upon which our Nation was founded endure.

“Inspired by the heroic sacrifices of our firefighters, rescue and law enforcement personnel, military service members, and other citizens, our Nation found unity, focus, and strength. We found healing in the national outpouring of compassion for those lost, as tens of millions of Americans participated in moments of silence, candlelight vigils, and religious services. From the tragedy of September 11 emerged a stronger Nation, renewed by a spirit of national pride and a true love of country.

“We are a people dedicated to the triumph of freedom and democracy over evil and tyranny….

“…I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities, including remembrance services and candlelight vigils.  I also call upon the Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, as well as appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff on Patriot Day. Further, I encourage all Americans to display the flag at half-staff from their homes on that day and to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. eastern daylight time, or another appropriate commemorative time, to honor the innocent victims who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.”

So please fly your flag, remember those who were lost and those who are still fighting for us, and pray for our nation.

I sat on the bench watching the families walk in and remembered when my own father and husband returned from duty overseas. Emotions suddenly overtook me and I started to cry.　 I knew exactly what they were feeling because I had lived this home coming day several times in my life.　 If you’ve never had a member of your family overseas in harm’s way, you may not fully understand the emotions of military families, the courage and stamina it takes to remain a family during long periods of waiting and not knowing.　 These families are my heroes.

Three families now lined the walk-way and were entering the airport; it was a joyous day for them.　 Their fathers, husbands and brothers were coming home from war.　

Soon, another family emerged outside and approached the bench where I was sitting and I noticed that they were all dressed in black.　 A woman about my age sat down next to me and asked if I lived in Baton Rouge. I told her no, that I was just getting some fresh air while waiting for my flight.　 I asked her if she was waiting for someone, she said, “Yes, my son and his best friend are coming home from the war.” 　My mind was racing at this point, they were all in black, her son and his best friend were coming home from the war but there were no banners, balloons or flags.　 The woman was composed, spoke slowly and her eyes moved up toward the sky. Another relative walked over, took my hand and told me that her son and his best friend from childhood had been killed in Iraq the week before by a suicide bomber.　 I offered my condolences and deepest sympathy and thanked them for their son’s dedication, bravery and courage.　 The Military Grievance Counselor arrived along with the funeral detail.　 Both men were 31 years old, in the prime of their lives. They left behind mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters along with countless other relatives and friends to answer the call to duty. This family demonstrated a grace and dignity that I will never forget.　 What happened next will humble me for the rest of my life.　

You could hear the cheers and screams coming from inside the terminal as the families greeted their loved ones returning from their tours of duty in Iraq.　 The family outside looked toward the terminal and someone said, “Praise the Lord, they got their boys back.”　 Not one of them was bitter from their own loss, courage and forgiveness was all you could see in their eyes.

As the family dressed in black entered the terminal, the other families were returning from the gate areas and the two caskets were being brought in by the military detail. It seemed that time stood still, it was as if everyone had stop breathing. 　The soldiers that had come home immediately dropped their bags, removed their hats and stood at full attention to salute the fallen soldiers. When the caskets had passed, the soldiers turned and hugged their comrades’ family members. What I witnessed was the indestructible bond that our men and women in the military have for one another in life and in death.

In the final moments, the four year old daughter of one of the returning soldiers came down the stairs and gave her American flag to the little girl whose Daddy wasn’t ever coming home.　

Comment Submitted on 2010/07/08 at 1:41pm on the Fireworks Display post.

WOW what a great show. This needs to be incorporated into every city across this great country of ours. To [be able to] celebrate America is a long awaited event that I believe every veteran can be proud of.  Some came home to nothing, some came home to ridicule, some came home with emotional scars they still live with today.  Knowing they went over there and fought for the rights of everyone here in this great nation is finally the most honorable thing for them. To have the rest of the country celebrating and honoring the country they fought for and some had to die for is truly and honorable thing.

The fireworks show was one of the best I have ever seen. The vendors were top notch, plenty of things for the kids to stay occupied, an unbelievable helicopter exit, over 10,000 people together celebrating, Songs and Hymns from our great country, and a short message of hope. How much better can it get?

I will never miss another one and I will be glad to help promote next year’s event for sure…June 25 2011. Don’t miss it…..GOD BLESSED AMERICA AND WE SHOULD BE FOREVER HUMBLE AND BLESSED WE LIVE IN THE GREATEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD…….AMEN!!!!!!!

A crew of 14 volunteer college students sold coffee, latte’s, smoothies and candy to generate cash for their charity at Celebrate America last Saturday.  The 5-1-Brew cart raised about $600 for Sunset Christian Center’s 5-1-2 ministry.  

So, what is five1two?  It’s Sunset’s community of college-aged students and twentysomethings striving to live a life of love, and growing together on their Christian journey.  Thursday nights you’ll find them together for worship, biblical teaching, and prayer, but five1two is more than just a weekly meeting. 

Kim and Dave Leatherman are the ring leaders of this great ministry, and welcome anyone who is seeking stability, support, or who just wants positive people in their lives.  They are fun and the group just loves “doing life” together.  Whether participating in a growth group, traveling on a missions trip, serving in their local community, or hanging out at a local coffee shop, being part of five1two means living out their faith in Christ.

We’re so glad they were a part of Celebrate America!  By the way, the 5-1-Brew cart is also open at Sunset Christian Center before and after both services on Sundays (9AM & 10:45AM) as well as on Wednesday nights for Man Cave Ministries at 7PM.

• Radio (which station)
• Online Event Calendar (radio, TV, newspapers, magazine, organizations)
• CelebrateAmericaOnline
• TV (News10, Comcast, Wave Cable)
• Pre-Movie ad at Olympus Point Theaters
• An organization you belong to (Kiwanis, Rotary, etc.)
• Newspaper (Placer Herald, Sac Bee, Sac Press Webpaper)
• Celebrate America Singers in the Roseville Galleria mall
• Yard signs
• Posters hanging in businesses (which one)
• Postcard given to you, or you picked up somewhere
• Friend/Family told you (or dragged you) 
• An event Vendor told you that they were going to be there (who)
• Saw the banner at the park
• Saw the banner hanging at Sunset Christian Center
• Read about it in your church bulletin (which church)

Thank you so much for letting us know!

An estimated 12,000 people enjoyed the FREE festivities at Twin Oaks Park in Rocklin last Saturday.  All ages found fun things to do, and the overwhelming response from the community has been about the Celebrate America show.  I was so grateful to the many veterans who stood to their feet as we saluted each of the branches of the military.  Many of you have thanked us for the moving tributes we gave, but the truth is that we are so thankful to be able to show our appreciation for all you’ve done for our blessed country.

When I invited my friend Specialist Valerie Hoff, who is an Army Reservist, to the event, I did my best to explain how great it was going to be.  After the fireworks were over I had to change clothes and start tearing down the set, so I missed her.  She called later and absolutely GUSHED praise and amazement at everything from the quality of the performance, to the Blackhawk, to the awesome programs (by Debbie Wells!).  I asked her to comment below – so be sure to check back to get it straight from her.

If you were at Celebrate America, please comment about the event and/or the show below.  If you missed it – don’t make that mistake next year.    (It will be June 25th, 2011.)

In 2009, The Fresh Air Fund’s Volunteer Host Family program, called Friendly Town, gave close to 5,000 New York City boys and girls, ages six to 18, free summer experiences in the country and the suburbs. Volunteer host families shared their friendship and homes FOR up to two weeks or more in 13 Northeastern states from Virginia to Maine and Canada.

The Fresh Air Fund relies on donations to provide memorable summers to NYC children.  Through a matching program – make a gift before June 30th – and two inner-city children’s lives will be changed forever!  Your gift of $24 becomes $48, good for TWO round-trip bus tickets from NYC to camp.

 
The Fresh Air Fund needs hosts for the summer of 2010.

More than 65% of all Fresh Air children are reinvited to stay with their host family, year after year.   Thanks to host families who open up their homes for a few weeks each summer, children growing up in New York City’s toughest neighborhoods have experienced the joys of Fresh Air experiences.

So, from the Celebrate America cast, choir and clean up crew (we’re all one in the same, actually – but it sounds better this way!) a *HUGE* THANK YOU to all of our very helpful Celebrate America fans.  We are so happy to entertain and celebrate with you, and are proud to be members of your community!  See you next year!