FREEDOM CELEBRATION TO AROUSE PATRIOTISM

After three months of rehearsals, a group of singers from 12 Cape Girardeau churches are ready to sing the praises of patriotism.

Organizers of the five-day Freedom Celebration, at which the singers will perform, say although issues such as a sluggish economy, joblessness and racially-motivated riots can cast a shadow on national pride, patriotism is indeed alive and well.

"I think people sometimes question how patriotic we in this country have become," said Frank Bane, an organizer of Freedom Celebration.

"Last year we found out that with Desert Storm patriotism was really still strong, and I think this year, people are still very patriotic."

Now in its fourth year, the Freedom Celebration, held at First General Baptist Church, draws about 1,500 people. It begins Wednesday and will continue through Sunday night.

In addition, several area communities are planning Fourth of July celebrations in the coming weeks complete with fireworks and parades.

Bane said when the Freedom Celebration began four years ago it was held just three nights. But in the last two years more and more people have wanted to listen to the communitywide choir sing songs like "Yankee Doodle Dandy" and "America the Beautiful."

"It's gotten larger every year," he said. "The first year we started out with three performances; then the second year went to four performances.

"Now we've gone to five performances in addition to some private shows at churches and at the Missouri Veterans Home."

Although the Freedom Celebration is held at a church, it's not a religious ceremony, he said. A group of about 40 people will perform mainly patriotic songs like "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" and "Grand Old Flag."

A stag has been specially-constructed for the event, he said. A drama and slide show will also be presented, along with a special salute to the armed forces. American flags will line the driveway to the church.

The drama deals with present-day attitudes about patriotism, Bane said. "But we deal with a little bit of it all, including the history of patriotism," he said.

Bane said pride in the United States should be recognized and celebrated throughout the year, but too often is forgotten until just before the July 4 holiday.

"I think people like to go to programs like this that stir (patriotism) a little bit," he said."

Freedom Celebration '92 will be held at the First General Baptist Church, 1812 Cape La Criox Road in Cape Girardeau. Admission is $2 per person and tickets can be obtained at the church or by calling 334-2234. The celebration starts at 7:30 p.m. each night.