It’s coming — July 4, that is. It is a day to look forward to. A day for fireworks, barbecues, family picnics, parades, baseball games and a day off.

On July 4 every year, we celebrate something called Independence Day. This national holiday is something that many Americans look forward to, and rightly so. We should celebrate on the Fourth of July. It’s a day when we can gather with family and friends and be proud to be an American. But I wonder if too many times we fall short as Americans by thinking of the day as simply a summer festival and forgetting about the overtones of patriotism that should be celebrated on that day.

What if we took a moment this year to think about those rights and freedoms that we have and hold to be self-evident? I want to encourage you to do just that.

The night before Independence Day, our very own Miss-Lou Community Choir will be presenting a musical titled “Our Flag Was Still There” which will be the choir’s first opportunity to perform for the community. We hope that the songs and presentations of the night will inspire you to celebrate the freedom and faith that our country affords us.

That night will also be an opportunity for our community to rally together and honor those who have given of themselves to defend those rights. Men and women all across our communities have served or are currently serving our nation through the different branches of the armed forces.

So, let me also take this opportunity to invite any veterans, members of the armed forces or their families to be our special guests on that night. We want to honor you for the sacrifices that you have made. There will be reserved seating for you and your family members in the Natchez City Auditorium on the floor and first level. Come and allow your hearts to be stirred once again for the nation that you love and hold so dear.

Also, if any veterans or families would like to display military memorabilia, there will be displays set up in the auditorium to do so. You can bring any items to be displayed by the Natchez City Auditorium between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 3.

The concert will begin at 7 p.m. Thursday, and admission is free to the public.

The Natchez City Auditorium is located in downtown Natchez on the corner of Jefferson and Canal streets.

For more information call Joshua Roberts at 318-336-7111 ext 3

Joshua Roberts is the associate pastor of worship at First Baptist Vidalia and the director of the Miss-Lou Community Choir.