Even though it was 100-plus degrees outside Sunday afternoon, those citizens who visited Calvary Baptist Church for the annual patriotic concert definitely saw a “cool” show.

I was very impressed with the concert, which featured a full orchestra as well as a mass choir composed of many churches in the county. Based on the audience’s applause at several times during the afternoon, I know they were just as impressed as I was.

For those of you who didn’t go Sunday, you missed a very moving and talented performance. The music ranged from patriotic classics like “America The Beautiful” to gospel favorites like “Amazing Grace” to full military aplomb with “Anchors Aweigh!” and “Halls of Montezuma (Marines’ Hymn).”

While the music was impressive in its own right, the ceremony and decorations were even more outstanding. Once again, the Bainbridge High School ROTC members presented the colors with reverence and respect, and several speakers gave their expressions of what it means to be an American and what it means to be free. I was very appreciative of the moment of silence that was held to honor the countless military men and women throughout the years, who gave their lives to preserve our freedom.

I thought the highlight of the afternoon was when the mass choir began to sing each of the military branches’ official songs, including the U.S. Army’s “The Army Goes Rolling Along” and the U.S. Air Force’s “The U.S. Air Force (more commonly known as ‘Into the Wild Blue Yonder.’” At the same time those songs were being performed, a flag bearer of each branch presented the branch’s colors, and audience members, who were veterans of that particular branch, stood up in the pews. It was a very moving sight when all of the flags were positioned at the front of the sanctuary and the rousing finish of the Marines’ Hymn rang through the building.

I just want to offer my personal thanks and appreciation to those citizens who worked hard to arrange, practice, and perform in Sunday’s ceremony. It was a beautiful show and really provided some “early fireworks” as we get ready to celebrate our nation’s heritage on the Fourth of July.

Justin Schuver is the managing editor of The Post-Searchlight. You can email him at justin.schuver@thepostsearchlight.com.