Piedmont Choral Society to Honor Veterans During 20th Annual “Celebrate America” Concert Series
Annual patriotic concert series will honor veterans, feature 102-year-old World War II veteran Cy Maulden and raise funds for Paws of Hope.
This story has been adapted from a Piedmont Choral Society news release.
The Piedmont Choral Society and guest community singers will present their 20th annual “Celebrate America” patriotic concert series June 18, 19 and 21 at First Baptist Church in Concord.
The performances will feature a combined choir of more than 100 singers performing an all-patriotic music program honoring veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families. The event will include recognition of all branches of the armed forces, with veterans presenting their respective service flags, as well as special tributes to prisoners of war, those missing in action and service members who made the ultimate sacrifice.
This year’s concert carries added significance as organizers seek to honor the dwindling generation of World War II veterans and preserve their legacy for future generations.
A highlight of the program will be a performance by Cabarrus County’s own “Music Man,” Cy Maulden. At 102 years old, the World War II veteran remains active in the community and will sing “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” the top-selling song of the World War II era. Maulden served in Italy during the war and was selected to perform as a trumpet player in the first traveling Army Band.
“There is something profoundly emotional about seeing our veterans in uniform while patriotic music surrounds them,” organizers said.
That sense of gratitude and remembrance is at the heart of the annual concert.
“This concert is about more than music,” organizers said. “It is about ensuring our veterans know their sacrifices are remembered. It is about seeing them honored not quietly, but publicly, passionately, and with great love. For many in attendance, it may become one of the most meaningful patriotic moments they ever experience.”
The concert series also serves as a community fundraiser. Since its inception in 2006, audience donations have generated more than $38,000 for Cabarrus County nonprofits.
Donations collected during the June 18 concert will benefit Paws of Hope, a program of K-9 Capers Dog Training Academy. The local nonprofit rescues shelter dogs, trains them as service animals and places them at no cost with veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder.
During the June 18 performance, Paws of Hope founder and certified professional dog trainer Donna Rogers will discuss the organization’s mission and introduce Molly Hope, a service dog trained through the program, along with Iraq War veteran Gary Ritter, who will share how the dog has impacted his life.
Concerts will be held at First Baptist Church, 200 Branchview Drive in Concord, on the following dates:
June 18 at 7 p.m.
June 19 at 7 p.m.
June 21 at 3 p.m.
Organizers encourage veterans, military families and community members throughout Cabarrus County and the surrounding region to attend.
Support for the concert series is provided through a grant from the Grassroots Arts Program of the North Carolina Arts Council, a state agency, administered locally by the Cabarrus Arts Council.