Editor, Sun-Sentinel:
The Charleston Arts and Revitalization Effort would like to thank the citizens of Charleston and others who supported and participated in CARE’s second annual Independence Day parade and program.
It was a beautiful day, and we give thanks to God for that and for all the blessings He bestowed on us, not only July 4 but always. So first, we thank God, who loves and leads and forgives us.
Second, we thank our veterans and active service members who serve our nation both in wartime and in peace. Many of our veterans were never properly thanked and honored. We thank you and pray for you now. The parade and the program were designed for that purpose.
Third, we thank our sponsors who generously gave prizes and gifts to our participants in the parade and to our very talented musicians. SuperValu gave $25 gift certificates to our best decorated vehicles and horses in each category. Winners were: best car, Lance Tennyson; best truck, Jimmy Fly; best golf cart, Sandra Peters; and best horse, Joe Wrenn.
Sayle Oil Co. and Rev. Ray Branch thanked and surprised our talented musicians with “Uncle Sam” awards, which were designed, hand-carved and painted by Rev. Branch.
The Flower Basket provided the flags, roses and wrappings for gifts that were presented to the musicians and family members of deceased veterans.
We thank churches of Charleston who sponsored the bounce house for the children to enjoy. The four that donated were First Baptist (Joe May), First United Methodist (Ray Branch), Charleston Church of God (Ken Watson) and First Presbyterian (Paul Long).
Fourth, we thank our musicians and speakers who gave of their time and talent on a very hot day to “entertain the troops” by singing patriotic songs and gospel praises. Those musicians were Shelby Grace Boone, Carol Sturgis, Joshua Milam, Emily Hargett, Sue Inman, Beverly Watson and, coming from Shaw, our home-grown and loved Glenda Brock Woods.
Those who led the program were Mayor Sedrick Smith, Rev. Joe May, James Micou, Johnny Brock, John B. Burnett, Ray Clolinger, Bob Richards and Rep. Tommy Reynolds, who recognized Ham Say Ho.
Fifth, we thank our political candidates who paid to speak at this Independence Day program and to share their platforms and ideas with us all.
Sixth, we thank those who planned, worked the parade lineup, hot dog stand, program set-up and bounce house.
For the names of volunteers and event participants, see the list on the CARE website at www.careartsms.com.
Seventh, we thank those who participated in the parade, brought a veteran, or sat in the audience to honor and support. We had a lovely event, thanks to you.
Readers, be thinking. If you have an idea for making this event better and bigger for next year, please call CARE at 662-647-0942. We need your ideas and your support.
Glenna Callender
CARE board member
Charleston
