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March 22, 2009

Celebrate America much more than fireworks

By SCOTT WEISSER

“Celebrate America”? Yes, it’s the big fireworks show that happens every July at Black Squirrel Golf Club.

Is that all? The short answer is no.

Celebrate America has been around for 20 years. During that time thousands of spectators have watched the fireworks display light up Goshen’s night sky. However, the Celebrate America mission has grown to include education and a focus on honoring soldiers and veterans.

“It grew from basically a fireworks display into what we’ve got today,” said Black Squirrel’s Tony Krebs. “... It seems to be getting bigger and better every year.”

The event started as a joint project of the First Baptist churches of Goshen and Elkhart. It was a treat for the congregations, but also open to the public.

Word spread, according to the Rev. Gregg Lanzen of Goshen’s First Baptist Church.

“You do fireworks in the middle of town, and it doesn’t take long for word to get out,” he said. “It just grew from there.”

One year, the annual fireworks didn’t happen. Enter Al Lane, Celebrate America’s current president. Lanzen recalled that Lane approached him and said, “We’ve got to do this. This is something that honors our veterans.”

“That’s been his big focus,” Lanzen said, “and I think it’s been a great focus.”

Numbers tell part of the story. A handful of people were part of the Celebrate America committee early on; now that group numbers close to 50. The crowds have grown, too. Lane said one estimate had 17,000 spectators at the 2008 show.

“We don’t know,” he said. “But we did pretty well to fill eight parking lots. And (2009) is going to be a bigger year.”

One added draw will be a re-enactment of a Civil War encampment. As always, musical entertainment will be part of the event.

Organizers have had service personnel in uniform at the summer event’s gates and parking areas, moving through the crowds and handing out flags.

“It’s amazing,” said Chic Lantz, Celebrate America vice president — veterans.

Organizers are also working to make a “Field of Flags” display this year. The idea is that flags — bought by businesses, individuals, etc. — would be set up in a large, lighted field.

Education

Celebrate America has also taken its message into the schools.

Bill Bloss, Celebrate America’s vice president of education, said kindergarten students at Waterford Elementary School were presented with a program about flag history last year.

“It’s amazing how attentive the kids are,” he said.

Eighth-grade history students at Goshen Middle School are given materials to make posters promoting the idea of patriotism, democracy and how to be a responsible U.S. citizen. The best 35 student efforts are selected, and those narrowed to the top five.

“It’s a tough job,” Bloss said, “because all 35 are really tops.”

There’s also an auditorium program for eighth-graders that features guest speakers. A lot of parents show up, according to Bloss.

“It’s a full house,” he said. “I think the kids look forward to it.”

A fourth-grade project involves coloring an illustration bearing the words “Land of the Free Because of the Brave.” The back of the illustration includes a “reading prompt.” Example: “Talk to your family about what it means to be a good citizen and what rights and responsibilities we have as Americans.” Pupils are then directed to write about why they can be proud of their country.

Celebrate America president-elect Chuck Cheek recalled taking a Veterans of Foreign Wars member, in uniform, to talk to students.

“If we can get across to them the privilege of living (in the United States), that will work,” he said. “Freedom is not free. Somebody had to pay for that, and somebody has to continue to pay for that.”

Lanzen feels that type of message belongs in the schools.

“Those kids are hearing stuff that a lot of kids in public schools don’t hear any more and need to hear,” Lanzen said.

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