Stars & Stripes Celebration in Clifton Forge draws large crowds

Starting with nighttime fireworks that drew a crowd that stretched for three blocks in Clifton Forge on July 3, the Stars and Stripes Celebration continued on the Fourth of July with a parade and festivities.

Following the parade that started on Ridgeway Street and ended on Main Street after passing the Clifton Forge Town Hall, the Veteran Ceremony was held in Veterans Park near The Historic Masonic Theatre where another ceremony for veterans and first responders was conducted inside.

Clifton Forge Main Street held the event inside the theatre where 75 escaped the heat by filling seats in the air-conditioned theatre where patriotic songs were sung and the theatre’s sound technician played recorded renditions of the official songs of the five branches of the military while an accompanying video for each song was screened.

Veterans were seated on stage with first responders in order to be honored. Each veteran was invited to stand while the song that represented the member’s branch of the military was being played.

Eight stood during the playing of “The Army Goes Rolling Along,” six rose from their seats when the “Marines’ Hymn” entertained the audience, four stood for “Anchors Aweigh,” and one rose to his feet as “Wild Blue Yonder” reverberated throughout the John E. Hillert Auditorium. The oldest, a 100 year-old-veteran of World War II, was unable to stand but was helped from his chair to stand.

Readers read historic accounts about the “Declaration of Independence” and the way the 13 Colonies won their independence from King George III.

Main Street was blocked off in front of The Historic Masonic Theatre where the “Downtown Market” was held. Several vendors had set up tents and tables, and the weather cooperated with a warm, sunny day.

The Clifton Forge High School Alumni banner revealed the Mountaineer logo that dates back to 1982, the year before consolidation of Clifton Forge City Schools with Alleghany County Public Schools took place.

Clifton Forge Main Street held a ceremony inside the Historic Masonic Theatre to honor veterans and first responders on The Fourth of July . (Photo by M. Ray Allen)

Friday night’s sky over Clifton Forge became a fountain of multicolored lights from the fireworks that ushered in the Stars & Stripes Celebration on July 3. (Photo by M. Ray Allen)