Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute concert set for January 18 in North Charleston

Wouldn’t Take Nothing For My Journey Now: A Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Performance featuring the CSO Gospel Choir and CSO Spiritual Ensemble, members of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra and the Colour of Music Festival Orchestra, in collaboration with the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department, brings the legendary civil rights leader’s legacy to life through music, imagery and narration on Saturday, January 18, 2014 7:00pm at Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, 7396 Rivers Avenue, North Charleston SC.

This performance is free and open to the public. Entry ticket required; freewill donations accepted.

Directed by Guest Conductor Vincent L. Danner, the event will commemorate Dr. King’s civil rights legacy in a moving musical and visual performance featuring gospel and spirituals woven together with narration provided by Dr. Karen Chandler of the College of Charleston and historical images of Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement.

“We are excited to partner with the City of North Charleston again and bring our choirs together with musicians from our partner organization, the CSO, and the newly formed Colour of Music Festival Orchestra as we honor Dr. King’s contribution to civil rights and economic equality. The event will be the perfect way for the community to reflect upon his wisdom, sacrifice and hope,” says Lee Pringle, President and Founder of the two choirs and executive producer of the event.

“Conducting performances honoring Dr. King are annual highlights for me; I look forward to showcasing moving selections carefully chosen to tell Dr. King’s extraordinary, epic story,” says Vincent L. Danner, Guest Conductor.

WHAT: Wouldn’t Take Nothing For My Journey: A Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Performance (approximate running time: 2 hours)

WHO: CSO Gospel Choir and CSO Spiritual Ensemble with members of the CSO and Colour of Music Festival Orchestra
Vincent L. Danner, Guest Conductor

WHEN: Saturday, January 18, 2014, 7:00pm

WHERE: Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, 7396 Rivers Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29406

TICKETS: FREE ADMISSION - Ticket required for entry. FREE entry tickets (four per request) available in person at North Charleston Cultural Arts Department, North Charleston City Hall or Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church. By mail, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to Tickets/City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department, PO Box 190016, North Charleston, SC 29419-9016 by Friday, January 10, 2014.

Freewill donations encouraged to support CSO Spiritual Ensemble and CSO Gospel Choir community outreach efforts.

This program is generously sponsored by the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department. Additional support provided by Historic Second Presbyterian Church.

About Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Prime mover of the Montgomery bus boycott, keynote speaker at the March on Washington, youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Dr. King’s policy of nonviolent protest was the dominant force in the civil rights movement during its decade of greatest achievement, from 1957 to 1968. Dr. King was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. Commemorating the life of a tremendously important leader, we celebrate Martin Luther King Day each January.

About the CSO Gospel Choir
For thirteen years, the Charleston Symphony Orchestra (CSO) Gospel Choir, Charleston’s celebrated culturally diverse choir, performs gospel, spirituals and sacred music for annual concert events including a Palm Sunday performance, CSO Gospel Christmas, Piccolo Spoleto, regional events throughout the southeast and numerous engagements in Europe including Paris, London, Rome and Prague and Ghana, West Africa.
CSOGospel.com

About the CSO Spiritual Ensemble
Founded in 2008, the Charleston SC based, 35-member CSO Spiritual Ensemble honors the “spiritual,” the historical musical form born of the suffering and endurance of African slaves after arriving to the southern shores of this country. The CSO Spiritual Ensemble performs throughout the southeastern US and regularly for local and regional special events.
CSOSpiritual.com

Veterans Day 2013 in North Charleston, a Tribute to our Veterans

The City of North Charleston will host its annual Veterans Day tribute on Monday, November 11, 2013 from 10:30 am – 1:00 pm at Park Circle. We ask veterans and the public to join Mayor R. Keith Summey and City Council in this special ceremony. Last year, over 500 veterans in attendance were honored.

The Department of Defense and the Veterans Day National Committee once again selected North Charleston as a Regional Site for Veterans Day 2013. North Charleston is one of two regional sites in the State of South Carolina and has received this designation for 4 consecutive years.

All veterans in attendance will be recognized and will receive a specially designed commemorative coin. To receive a coin, Veterans are urged to RSVP no later than November 4 to (843) 740-5801, (843) 745-1028 or via email at cdambaugh@northcharleston.org.

Prior to the ceremony, from 9:30 am – 10:30 am, a story swap will be held in the Felix Davis Community Center. Veterans will have an open opportunity to share memories and stories about their service with fellow veterans. The story swap is open to the public. Veterans wishing to speak should RSVP to (843) 740-5850.

Once again, lunch for all of the event attendees will be provided immediately following the ceremony.

Colonel Myron C. Harrington, Jr. USMC (Retired) will be the event’s keynote speaker. Col. Harrington, a native of Augusta, Georgia, graduated from The Citadel in 1960 and was commissioned in the USMC in 1961. He would go on to serve his country in the Vietnam War.

The Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism was awarded to Col. Harrington for his actions during the Vietnam War on February 23, 1968 at the Battle of Huế. During the battle, he commanded a USMC force attacking a well-fortified North Vietnamese position along a portion of the wall surrounding the Huế Citadel. Under heavy fire and with disregard of his own safety, Col. Harrington maneuvered the Marines under his leadership to rout the North Vietnamese soldiers from the encampment.

An hour long interview filmed on December 8, 1981 with Col. Harrington from the WGBH Media Library and Archives can be found here: http://openvault.wgbh.org/catalog/vietnam-de0a9d-interview-with-myron-harrington-1981. The interview is his personal account of the Battle of Huế.

Col. Harrington’s decorations include the Navy Cross, Silver Star, Legion of Merit with two Gold Stars in lieu of second and third awards, Meritorious Service Medal with Gold Star in lieu of second award, Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V” and Gold Star in lieu of second award, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Gold Star, and the Vietnamese Staff Honor Medal 1st Class.

Col. Harrington earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Shippensburg State College in Pennsylvania in 1980. After retiring from the USMC in 1991, he joined the staff of Trident Academy in Mount Pleasant as the Headmaster, retiring in 1997. He now is the Secretary of The Citadel Board of Visitors.

From past Veterans Day events
Photos: Past Veterans Day events 
Video: Medal of Honor recipient Major General Livingston on Veterans Day
Video: 10 year old Tre’ Williams on what it means to be a veteran
Video: Sophia Simmons on what it means to be a veteran
Video: Major Joe Lysaght on the history of the Pledge of Allegiance
Video: Lt. Col. Vernon Lightner gives remarks at North Charleston Veterans Day event

Free event - Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Performance with the CSO Gospel Choir/CSO Spiritual Ensemble

This Little Light of Mine, I’m Gonna Let It Shine: A Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Performance featuring both the CSO Gospel Choir and CSO Spiritual Ensemble in collaboration with the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department, brings the legendary civil rights leader’s legacy to life through music, imagery and narration on Saturday, January 19, 2013, 7pm at Royal Missionary Baptist Church, 4761 Luella Avenue, North Charleston SC. This performance is free and open to the public. An entry ticket is required; freewill donations accepted.

Directed by David A. Richardson, the two choirs will commemorate Dr. King’s civil rights legacy in a moving musical and visual performance featuring gospel and spirituals woven together with narration provided by Dr. Karen Chandler of the College of Charleston and historical images of Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement.

“We are excited to partner with the City of North Charleston again this year and bring both our choirs together as we pause to honor Dr. King’s extraordinary contribution to civil rights and economic equality. The event will be the perfect way for our community to remind ourselves of Dr. King’s wisdom, sacrifice and hope,” says Lee Pringle, President and Founder of the two choirs and executive producer of the event.

“Conducting this musical event is a career highlight for me; I look forward to showcasing moving selections carefully chosen to tell Dr. King’s extraordinary, epic story,” says David A. Richardson, Guest Conductor.

WHAT: This Little Light of Mine, I’m Gonna Let It Shine
A Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Performance

WHO: CSO Gospel Choir and CSO Spiritual Ensemble
David A. Richardson, Guest Conductor

WHEN: Saturday, January 19, 2013, 7:00pm

WHERE: Royal Missionary Baptist Church, 4761 Luella Avenue, North Charleston, SC

TICKETS: FREE ADMISSION: Ticket required for entry. FREE entry tickets (four per request) available in person at North Charleston Cultural Arts Department, North Charleston City Hall or Royal Missionary Baptist Church. By mail, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to Tickets/City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department, PO Box 190016, North Charleston, SC 29419-9016 by Friday, January 11, 2013.

Freewill donations encouraged to support 

CSO Spiritual Ensemble and CSO Gospel Choir community outreach efforts 

Generously sponsored by the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department
Additional support provided by Royal Missionary Baptist Church and Historic Second Presbyterian Church.

About Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Prime mover of the Montgomery bus boycott, keynote speaker at the March on Washington, youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Dr. King’s policy of nonviolent protest was the dominant force in the civil rights movement during its decade of greatest achievement, from 1957 to 1968. Dr. King was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. Commemorating the life of a tremendously important leader, we celebrate Martin Luther King Day each January.

About the CSO Gospel Choir

For more than twelve year, the Charleston Symphony Orchestra (CSO) Gospel Choir, Charleston’s celebrated culturally diverse choir, performs gospel, spirituals and sacred music for annual concert events including a Palm Sunday performance, CSO Gospel Christmas, Piccolo Spoleto and regional events throughout the southeast and numerous engagements in Europe including Paris, London, Rome and Prague and Ghana, West Africa.
www.CSOGospel.com

About the CSO Spiritual Ensemble
Founded in 2008, the Charleston SC based, 35-member CSO Spiritual Ensemble honors the “spiritual,” the historical musical form born of the suffering and endurance of African slaves after arriving to the southern shores of this country. The CSO Spiritual Ensemble performs throughout the southeastern US and regularly for local and regional special events.
www.CSOSpiritual.com

Veterans Day in North Charleston, a Tribute to our Veterans

The City of North Charleston will host its annual Veterans Day tribute on Monday, November 12, 2012 from 10:30 am – 1:00 pm at Park Circle. We ask veterans and the public to join Mayor R. Keith Summey and City Council in this special ceremony. Last year, over 500 veterans in attendance were honored.

The Department of Defense and the Veterans Day National Committee has once again selected North Charleston as a Regional Site for Veterans Day 2012. North Charleston is the only regional site in the State of South Carolina and has been selected for 3 consecutive years.

All veterans in attendance will be recognized and will receive a specially designed commemorative coin. To receive a coin, Veterans are urged to RSVP no later than October 25 to (843) 740-5801, (843) 745-1028 or via email at cdambaugh@northcharleston.org.

Lieutenant Colonel Vernon F. Lightner will be the event’s keynote speaker. A native of Great Falls, South Carolina, Lt. Col. Lightner graduated Livingstone College in 1991 and subsequently received a commission in the US Army Military Police Corps. He has served in a variety of leadership positions from platoon leader to battalion commander, most recently serving as the Director of Emergency Services at Fort Bliss, Texas.

Lt. Col. Lightner stands at attention during ceremony - Flickr user Fort Bliss Garrison PAO

Lt. Col. Lightner served in several operational deployments, including Operation Intrinsic Action in Kuwait, Operation Restore Hope in Somalia, and two tours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. He currently serves in the Office of the Chief of Staff of the Army, as the Regional Director, Southeastern Region, for the Soldier for Life Office.

More Photos of Lt. Col. Lightner

Prior to the ceremony, from 9:30 am – 10:30 am, a story swap will be held in the Felix Davis Community Center. Veterans will have an open opportunity to share memories and stories about their service with fellow veterans. The story swap is open to the public. Veterans wishing to speak should RSVP to (843) 740-5850.

Outback Steakhouse is once again sponsoring lunch for all of the event’s attendees. Outback has sponsored the event for four consecutive years.

From past Veterans Day events

Photos: Veterans Day 2011


Photos: Veterans Day 2010


Video: Medal of Honor recipient Major General Livingston on Veterans Day


Video: 10 year old Tre’ Williams on what it means to be a veteran


Video: Major Joe Lysaght on the history of the Pledge of Allegiance

North Charleston selected as Regional Veterans Day Site by National Committee

The Department of Defense and the Veterans Day National Committee has once again selected North Charleston as a Regional Site for Veterans Day 2012. North Charleston is the only regional site in the State of South Carolina and has been selected for 3 consecutive years.

The City of North Charleston will host its annual Veterans Day tribute on Monday, November 12, 2012 from 10:30 am – 1:00 pm at Park Circle. We ask veterans and the public to join Mayor R. Keith Summey and City Council in this special ceremony. Last year, over 500 veterans in attendance were honored.

Prior to the ceremony, from 9:30 am – 10:30 am, a story swap will be held in the Felix Davis Community Center. Veterans will have an open opportunity to share memories and stories about their service with fellow veterans. The story swap is open to the public.

Additional details about North Charleston’s Veterans Day event will be released over the coming months.

From past Veterans Day events
Photos: Veterans Day 2011
Photos: Veterans Day 2010
Video: Medal of Honor recipient Major General Livingston on Veterans Day
Video: 10 year old Tre’ Williams on what it means to be a veteran
Video: Major Joe Lysaght on the history of the Pledge of Allegiance

Veterans Day in North Charleston, a Tribute to our Veterans

The City of North Charleston will hosts its annual Veterans Day tribute on Friday, November 11, 2011 from 10:30 am – 1:00 pm at Park Circle with keynote speaker Colonel Frank S. Taylor. We ask veterans and the public to join Mayor R. Keith Summey and City Council in this special ceremony. Last year, over 500 veterans in attendance were honored.

Ceremony Program

The Department of Defense and the National Committee for Veterans Day has once again selected North Charleston as a Regional Site for Veterans Day 2011. North Charleston is the only regional site in the State of South Carolina.

All veterans in attendance will be called by name and will receive a commemorative medal. Veterans are urged to RSVP no later than October 25 to (843) 740-5809 or via email at cdambaugh@northcharleston.org.

Prior to the ceremony, from 9:30 am – 10:30 am, a story swap will be held in the Felix Davis Community Center. Veterans will have an open opportunity to share memories and stories about their service with fellow veterans. The story swap is open to the public. Veterans wishing to speak should RSVP to (843) 740-5809.

The event’s keynote speaker, Colonel Frank S. Taylor, RET USAF is a native of Charleston, South Carolina and has commanded the 3rd Light Coastal Brigade, South Carolina State Guard since May 16, 2009. Col. Taylor is a graduate of The Citadel, earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Squadron Officers School, Air Command and Staff College, Air University, earning his master’s of military operational art and science, and Air War College. His major awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with five oak leaf clusters, Joint Services Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with six oak leaf clusters, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal with 2 devices, National Defense Service Medal with bronze service star, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and the Armed Forces Services Medal amongst others. Col. Taylor retired from the Air Force Reserves on January 4, 2007, after which he was commissioned a Palmetto Patriot on January 14, 2011 by the Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina.

Veterans Day - Honoring All Who Served

On Thursday, November 11, 2010 from 10:30 am – 1:00 pm in Park Circle, the City of North Charleston will host its annual Veterans Day event with keynote speaker Medal of Honor recipient Major General James E. Livingston, RET USMC. We ask the public to join Mayor R. Keith Summey and City Council in this special ceremony honoring our veterans of all wars. Last year, over 400 veterans were honored.

The Department of Defense and the National Committee for Veterans Day has selected North Charleston as a Regional Site for Veterans Day 2010.  "On Veterans Day we celebrate the lives and legacy of America's 23 million living Veterans," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki.  "From the National Veterans Day observance to regional celebrations nationwide, I encourage all Americans to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank our Veterans for their service."

All veterans in attendance will be recognized and will receive a commemorative medal. To take part in the ceremony, veterans are urged RSVP no later than October 29 by calling 745-1028 or via email at cdambaugh@northcharleston.org.

Prior to the ceremony, from 9:30am – 10:30am, a story swap will be held in the Felix Davis Community Center.  Veterans will have an open opportunity to share memories and stories about their service with fellow veterans.  The story swap is open to the public.  Coffee will be provided.

Our guest speaker, Major General James E. Livingston, RET USMC is a native of Towns, Georgia. He is a graduate of the Amphibious Warfare School, the Marine Corps Command and Staff College and the Air War College. His decorations include the Medal of Honor; Silver Star, Defense Superior Service Medal, Bronze Star with Valor, Purple Heart, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with 1 Award Star, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Combat Action Ribbon with 1 Award Star, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Navy Unit Commendation with 2 Service Stars, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation with 3 Service Stars, National Defense Service Medal with 1 Service Star, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with 2 Service Stars, Vietnam Service Medal with 6 Service Stars, Humanitarian Service Medal with 3 Service Stars, Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon with 1 Service Star, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with 2 Gilt Stars, Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal and various other service and foreign decorations. He is also a qualified military parachutist.

Forest Hills Nursery donates statues honoring police officers and firefighters

Michael and Joy Segars of Forest Hills Nursery & Palm Trees donated The Fireman’s Prayer statue and The Policeman’s Prayer statue to the City of North Charleston for display in the City Hall traffic circle. Each statue pays tribute to our public safety servicemen and women for their ongoing daily work, as well as the family members who provide support at home.

North Charleston’s 8th Annual “Tribute to our Veterans”

The City of North Charleston will hold its 8th Annual “Tribute to our Veterans” Veterans Day event on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at The Greater Charleston Naval Base Memorial at Riverfront Park from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm. The event is open to the public. All veterans taking part in the ceremony will receive special recognition for their service. Lunch will be served following the ceremony.

Our guest speaker will be Retired Colonel Robert J. Mastrion, United States Marine Corps (USMC). Colonel Mastrion entered the USMC in 1955, completing his training at Parris Island, and was commissioned in 1961. He served during the Suez Crisis in 1956, Lebanon 1958, the Cuban Crisis 1961, Vietnam 1963-1964, Dominican Republic 1965, Vietnam 1966-1968, Arab-Israel Crisis 1973, Korea 1975-1976, 1985-1986 and the First Gulf War 1991-1992. Colonel Mastrion retired from the USMC in 1992.

For administrative purposes, Veterans are encouraged to RSVP by November 6, 2009 to the City of North Charleston Parks & Recreation Department by phone at (843) 745-1028 or via email at cdambaugh@northcharleston.org.

WHAT
North Charleston’s 8th Annual “Tribute to our American Veterans”

WHEN
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
10:30 am to 1:00 pm

WHERE
The Greater Charleston Naval Base Memorial at Riverfront Park
1001 Everglades Drive
North Charleston, SC 29405

History of Veterans Day

In March 2007, the City of North Charleston traveled with our World War II Veterans to Washington, DC to visit the World War II Memorial. Here is the video of our trip.