Since Sept. 11, the United States has experienced a resurgence of patriotism. There are more flags flying than any time in recent memory, cars are sporting bumper stickers with patriotic messages and T-shirts declare the wearers’ national pride. On this first Independence Day following the terrorist attacks, many churches across north Alabama reflected this trend by presenting patriotic programs and recognizing some of those who made this country great.
Point Mallard Parkway Baptist Church in Morgan County recognized its military personnel, past and present, with musical and visual presentations.
The congregation brought in mementoes of military service such as uniforms, photographs and medals to form a display in the foyer of the church. During the service, Music Minister Scott Johnson did a multimedia presentation depicting U.S. landmarks and local military personnel.
“It was the pastor’s idea,” Johnson said. “He wanted to celebrate the freedom that we have in the United States and to honor the servicemen in the congregation.”
The children’s choir sang “God Bless the U.S.A.,” ending the song by saluting the military veterans who were assembled at the front of the church. Pastor Charles Smith said, “It was a real sweet service — good for our young folks and our veterans.”
Although he has had military recognition services in other churches before, Smith sees a difference now. “I think there’s a renewed spirit of patriotism because of Sept. 11.”
The way Smith sees it, there is a need to move the focus beyond patriotism. “We celebrated our freedom as Americans, but we also celebrated our spiritual freedom in Christ.”
At Southside Baptist Church in Decatur, the choir performed “Sweet Land of Liberty,” a musical/drama that was written prior to Sept. 11 but had parts rewritten after the attacks. The arrangers/composers rewrote some of the speaking parts and added a song called “Heroes Among Us.” The church honored military service personnel but also recognized the contributions of police, firefighters, nurses and other average people who were affected by Sept. 11.
Southside’s July 4 program this year took on added meaning because of the terrorist acts, said choir member Angela Johnson.
“Although we’ve done patriotic musicals for the last eight years, everyone said this was the most meaningful we’ve ever done,” she said. “Sept. 11 definitely impacted the attitude of the audience.”
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