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Patriotic Program Sunday

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By D'ANN LAWRENCE WHITE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 28, 2008

BRANDON - In what has become a Brandon musical tradition, the First United Methodist Church of Brandon music ministry will present its annual Fourth of July concert Sunday.

The community is invited to don patriotic colors and head to the church at 120 N. Knights Ave. to enjoy one of two hourlong concerts dedicated to God, the nation and the men and women who have served it.

"We started putting on this concert at least 15 years ago," said Jeff Brandt, who is celebrating his 22nd year as music minister at the church. "And it's become almost as popular as our Christmas and Easter holiday concerts."

Enthusiasm for the performance peaked during Operation Desert Storm and following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, he said.

"That's when patriotism seemed to be at its highest," Brandt said. "That's why we're calling this program 'God Bless America, Again.' We feel there's a need to get back to the kind of patriotism we had before. We've let patriotism slide, and there are consequences for our bad judgment, so we're asking God to put us back on the right path and to bless us again."

Helping in the effort will be First United Methodist's 60-member choir, as well as soloists and a full orchestra featuring 25 musicians.

The finale will feature a salute to the armed forces with performances of the anthems of all the branches of the U.S. military. Military personnel who serve or served will be asked to stand and be recognized.

The concerts will begin at 9:30 and 11 a.m. For information, call (813) 689-0968.

Reporter D'Ann Lawrence White can be reached at (813) 657-4524 or dlwhite@tampatrib.com.

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