CONYNGHAM – Hundreds of people filled Saint John Bosco Parish on May 31 for “Stars, Stripes & Symphony,” a special patriotic concert celebrating America’s upcoming 250th anniversary while raising support for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
Presented by the Hazleton Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra, the free concert featured patriotic selections, tributes to the nation’s armed forces, and musical favorites designed to honor America’s history and heroes.
“We had a wonderful celebration getting ready for the 250th anniversary of our country,” Father Richard Polmounter, Pastor of Saint John Bosco Parish, said. “We had the Hazleton Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra here to play all different tunes to get us in a patriotic spirit for this great anniversary that our country is having.”
The concert attracted people from across the greater Hazleton area and beyond, filling the church with an enthusiastic audience.
“To be a musician in a world of technology, where everything is A.I., to do the real thing and play to a warm and receptive audience is every musician’s dream. It’s just so good to feed off their energy,” violinist Sarah Woolbert stated.
A free-will offering was collected during the event to benefit the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which supports first responders, military veterans, and their families.
“These people put their lives on the line for us day after day, so the least we can do is show them some appreciation,” Robert Lagana, Director of the Hazleton Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra said.
One of the highlights of the concert came during a musical salute to the armed forces, when veterans and active-duty service members were invited to stand as their respective service songs were performed.
Audience members praised both the performance and its patriotic spirit.
“It was a great turnout. It really was,” Arlene Stagg, a parishioner of Saint John Bosco Parish, said. “All of the selections were so appropriate. The salute to the armed forces was really a nice tribute.”
As the nation prepares to celebrate its semiquincentennial, the concert offered an opportunity to reflect on the blessings of freedom and honor those who served.
“It was a beautiful day and a splendid concert,” Stagg added.