The Shadow
CLIFTON FORGE, VA (VR) – Friday night, July 3, 2026, at Main Street Clifton Forge’s Stars and Stripes Celebration, the Celebration Choir, under the direction of Dale Muterspaugh, opened and closed its program with this very special patriotic song. How moving the event was this year as we celebrated America’s 250th birthday. Such excitement filled the air.
The announcer opened the program with these words before introducing the choir: “Time to Turn to God for the Healing of America,” which was followed by the choir singing “Thank You, America,” a fitting selection for the occasion.
No patriotic program would be complete without the singing of Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A.” “…And I’d gladly stand up next to you… I love this land. God bless the U.S.A.” Alan Dale Craft sang the solo on this number, accompanied by the choir.
“America the Beautiful”—”God shed His grace on thee”—was another crowd-pleaser. This beloved song celebrates the beauty of the United States while also calling for unity and higher ideals.
No veterans celebration would be complete without the playing and/or singing of the Armed Services Medley. Many proud men and women stood to salute as their branch of service was recognized: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force. This tribute serves as a reminder of the countless American men and women who have served and fought for our country over the years. We will forever honor them.
David Crosier sang the solo as the choir performed “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” (“Glory, Glory, Hallelujah”).
The choir and the audience joined together in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance before singing “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Other crowd favorites included “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” “This Land Is Your Land,” and “This Is My Country.”
In honor of America’s 250th birthday, a newly released single titled “Declaration of Independence” by The Kody Norris Show debuted on Rebel Records. The song commemorates the nation’s milestone and aligns with the America 250 celebrations taking place across the country. The Celebration Choir performed this number with Robin Powell singing the solo.
The evening would not have been complete without members of the local Sheriff’s Office lowering and folding the American flag while Bill Atherholt played the bugle. It is always a heartwarming ceremony, and the family pictured here exemplifies patriotism.
The fireworks were spectacular this year, befitting the magnitude of the 250th birthday celebration of the United States of America.
This year the Stars and Stripes celebration will close with the words to a song for the greatest nation in the world:
GOD BLESS AMERICA
God bless America, land that I love
Stand beside her and guide her
Through the night with the light from above
From the mountains to the prairies
To the oceans white with foam
God bless America, my home sweet home
God bless America, my home sweet home
