Star Spangled Senior Celebration

Red, white, and blue decorations and American flags adorned the Friday where a celebration was taking place for America's birthday-- a tradition local seniors have carried on since 1973.

After a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance, volunteer Rod Morgan-- donning an Uncle Sam costume -- together with singers Lisa Joyner, Arlene Peters, and Charlie Holloman and pianist Linda Dottery, led a sing-a-long of patriotic tunes.

Morgan also recited the lyrics of Johnny Cash's "Ragged Old Flag."

    So we raise her up every morning
    And we bring her down slow every night,
    We don't let her touch the ground,
    And we fold her up right.
    On second thought
    I *do* like to brag
    Cause I'm mighty proud of
    That Ragged Old Flag

    -Johnny Cash

Myrtice Kilpatick gave a moving speech about sacrifice and freedom.

"We'll never forget," she said. "The wars, the times away from home, the families separating and knowing all the service men and women were in harms way."

Kilpatrick continued, "we are here today to celebrate July 2011, whether sad or happy memories, to be with friends, families, and loved ones thanking our forefathers for what they did long ago, the veterans of foreign wars and those of you that served here on our own soil keeping America great."

Disc jockey Kelvin Barnes kept the dance floor lively, and a picnic lunch capped off the celebration.