Welcome to a truly American celebration of the Fourth of July, America's birthday. And this year, we are fortunate to ba able to celebrate the Centennial of our own community, Morgan Hill! Yes, our community with its agricultural beginning is turning 100 years old! Gone are many of the orchards of prunes and apricots, now replaced with neat rows of homes and businesses. And yet, the "small-town" ambiance remains in tact, perhaps due to the respect of our residents who wish to retain the traditions of Morgan Hil's past and honor "Morgan Hill, A Portrait of America."

The Patriotic Sing and Fourth of July Parade are examples of events begun over one hundred years ago. During those times, school children would gather on the evening of July 3rd to sing the songs of America. This year, our seventeenth annual Patriotic Sing features children of our community singing the songs of our country on the evening of July 3rd. All children in Grades 1 through 6 in Morgan Hill and San Martin are eligible to participate in our choir.

There are no auditions or fees because every child should have the opportunity to learn the songs of America. For some of our chorus members, this event maybe the only time they will perfom before a large audience.

Our song selections include classic Patriotic songs, such as "God Bless America," "America, the Beautiful," "You're a Grand Old Flag," "This Land is Your Land," and, "This is My Country."

The residents of Morgan Hill are also proud of our local heroes and Veterans. In the middle of our downtown, there is a Memorial area dedicated to the memories of those local men and women who have lost their lives in the service of our country. Each Veteran's Day and Memorial Day, you will find a crowd of people listening to speakers, singing songs, and hearing the names of our heroes read. Because of our gratitude to our soldiers, serveral of the songs in the Patriotic Sing are dedicated to these brave men and women. Songs such as "God Bless the U.S.A.," "Armed Forces Medley," and "We Honor Those Who Serve" are sung by our youngsters.

It is my intent to have our community's children learn the songs of our heritage. By adding thses lyrics to their "Oral Tradition" the children are helping to insure that we will not lose our musical history. Today, few children anywhere can sing the National Anthem from memory. I receive notes or calls from parents of children who have participated in our chorus during the past. These children have moved to different parts of the country and parents request, "Could you please send us songsheets and a copy of the music from the Patriotic Sing? Nobody here knows these songs!" I am so proud of our singer! From our littlest Kindergartners to our Middle School youngsters, they are helping to preserve the love of country woven into Morgan Hill's history!

Karen Ann Crane - Patriotic Sing Director & Chair