I hope all you readers and your families enjoyed a happy and safe Independence Day. I did!

It is my tradition to view our Capitol’s Fourth of July celebration on TV every year. This year’s celebration was one of the best. Almost all of the patriotic songs were sung by great stars. The U.S. Army Band played “Yankee Doodle Dandy.” The host of the special occasion, Mickey Guyton, shared a solo she wrote, “I Still Pray,” which was very inspirational.

I am so thankful to be an American; to have been born and reared in the U.S.A. and to have lived here 88 years, and I am very thankful and pay tribute to our veterans and soldiers who sacrificed or are currently sacrificing their lives for the freedom of the U.S.A.

Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Pell City will host a singing school on Sunday, July 10-15, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The director is Tom Powell and the accompanist is Tracey Phillips. There will be a charge of $30 for the song book, materials and to help cover school expenses. Please plan to attend and invite others on Friday, July 15, there will be a singing at 6:30 p.m. If you are unable to attend as a student of the school, you are invited to attend the singing.

Readers, when you have news items to share, please call me at 205-884-0040. Thank you and may God bless you always.