Each month, the citizens of Tryon Estates in Columbus offer a small display station for one of the non-profits of the area.
This month they honor the House of Flags (the only flag museum in the United States). Small flags displaying the history of North Carolina and the United States, as well as other small items from the museum’s gift shop were exhibited.
Items used by our soldiers and monetary donations were collected in one area, and a large wine basket (value estimated to be around $600) was raffled off in another area. In 2007 Singing for the Soldiers was established and this was the program used for the residents.
In honor of the House of Flags, Singing for the Soldiers was performed in the auditorium for an hour-long show. This was the first time this has been done at Tryon Estates. At 6:30 the guests began to be ushered in by staff. Forty residents attended while others watched the show on closed circuit television. Many of the residents attending were of the armed forces and nurses of past wars. The MC for the evening was retired admiral and Tryon Estates resident Paul Southerland. The performers were James Metcalf and the Colt Creek Band, and Mike Upright.
Mike Upright is a bass gospel singer with many miles of performing on the road. His most enjoyed song of the night was “Lord Forgive Me for Forgetting I’m Forgiven”. He was followed by Metcalf and the Colt Creek Band. The band consists of “Banjo Bob” Caps of Saluda, Luke Phillips, a 19-year-old from Campobello, SC, and Doug Barnes of Saluda. They performed several well know hymns and closed with “On My Way to Cannon’s Land”.
Southerland reminded all of the guess that since the House of Flags is a 501 (C)(3), all donations are tax deductible. The items collected this month at Tryon Estates will be sent to soldiers in the field and in the Walter Reed Hospital.
Southerland also thanked the bands, telling them that the audience would like to have Singing for the Soldiers back each year.
The last announcement was to let the audience know of the 41st annual Columbus Fire Department event where Colt Creek will play on July 1 and Mike Upright will sing on July 3.
Other groups will on June 30-July 3.