“While God is Marching On”
Hurst Texas Stake Hosts Freedom Concert and Devotional
In July, the Hurst Texas Stake hosted a Freedom Concert and Devotional where patriotic music was performed by members of the Hurst Stake Choir. Elder Bruce A. Carlson, a Four-Star General of the Air Force (retired) and General Authority Emeritus, of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, shared his thoughts of freedom and religion.
A Choir Performance of Patriotic Hymns and Songs
The choir was comprised of volunteers from the 11 wards (congregations) of the Hurst Texas Stake. The Stake Choir members performed songs and hymns from the early history of the United States, under the direction of Lisa Keil, Stake Music Director, the choir sang to a full chapel audience. Accompaniment was provided on the organ by Sally Seil, and piano by Logan Romrell.
The evening of music began with the National Anthem and the music program was uplifting with spiritual and patriotic meaning.
Pat Autrey and John Saunders. Image courtesy of Desiree Cortez.
John Saunders and Pat Autrey sang a duet that spoke of early pioneer hardships traveling across the plains with the song “Faith in Every Footstep.” Another duet featuring cousins Leora Otteson and Nathaniel Andrejko sang of optimism with, “Arise, and Shine Forth.”
A group of eight women performed an American folk-song written by Baptist minister Robert Lowry, “How Can I Keep from Singing?” It is a song of rejoicing and celebration.
The familiar song, “God Bless America,” was sung by Alison Porter, and a children’s choir brought delight to the audience as they sang “My Flag,” “My Country,” and “Holding Hands Around the World.”
“There are children singing all around the world,
Happy voices ringing out the joyful word;
We are children glowing with the gospel light,
Standing tall, walking strong, choosing right.
There are children leading out in ev’ry land
Who believe in keeping all the Lord’s commands.
Like the stripling warriors we go forth in faith,
For we know that the Lord is our strength.”
–Janice Kapp Perry, “Holding Hands Around the World”
A Tongan choir from the three Tongan Wards in the Hurst Texas Stake, led by Ana Ita’aehau, Assistant Stake Choir Director, sang “My Country Tis of Thee” and their voices added strength and depth to the music.
Tongan choir with Ana Ita’aehau as director. Image courtesy of Desiree Cortez.
Heidi Patton sang, “What Did He Die For?” The song is a perspective of a mother’s love for the son she sacrificed to send to battle.
A favorite part of the musical program paid tribute to the branches of the U.S. armed forces. When each military branch song was performed, veterans were invited to stand and be recognized as their anthem was sung. As veterans and service men and women stood, each were greeted with applause, smiles of appreciation and gratitude.
Latter-day Saint Air Force General Shares Keynote Address
After the musical tribute to the military, Tommy Hamilton, First Counselor in the Hurst Stake Presidency, introduced Elder Bruce A. Carlson, highlighting his many accomplishments and services in the military. Notably retiring as a Four-Star General of the Air Force and as a General Authority Emeritus of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Keynote speaker, Elder Bruce A. Carlson. Image courtesy of Desiree Cortez.
During his keynote address, Elder Carlson spoke of his experience in the military and as an Emeritus General Authority, combining his thoughts of religious freedoms and the beginnings of the United States’ independence.
In his opening remarks, Elder Carlson read the preamble of the Declaration of Independence, stating this it is “one of the most magnificent documents ever written, at least since the close of cannon of ancient scripture.” It reads:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
The document written in 1776 gave life to a dream of 56 inspired men. There were debates with fears if a declaration of this type should be published, the British would know the authors of such a document, and they would be killed.
The men who signed this declaration, mutually pledged to each other their lives, their fortunes, and their scared honor.
Elder Carlson went on to say that these were men of great character and principle. Unfortunately, five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died and 12 had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons in the revolutionary army, another had two sons captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the revolutionary war. Despite the hardships and fears during the war, these men signed their name into immortality.
Quoting noted American writer John Gunther, Carlson said, “Ours is the only country deliberately founded on a good idea.”
Early American Soldiers Fought for Independence with Determination and the Help of God Almighty
In his talk, Elder Carlson asked the audience to ponder about the nation’s founders and other patriots who stood up against the most prominent military army of that time—the British. They were concerned how their ragtag soldiers would survive, much less prevail. In the end, it took grit, determination and the arm of a mighty God to carry them to succeed.
He spoke about the great American Civil War and how the war caused a new nation to be separated, dividing families, friends, and communities. The war pitted neighbors towards to opposite sides, causing great casualties for both sides of the nation.
When we honor and celebrate our independence, consider the impact of early American patriots, Elder Carlson says are four ideals for us to consider:
1. No other symbol reflects the principles of the United State than that of the flag. The flag represents the original 13 colonies who fought for independence. The 13 original stars represented the states but also a new constellation to a provide new hope and light for mankind. The flag stands as a symbol of freedom, justice, and democracy throughout the world. It is who we are as Americans, and how we connect with each other here and abroad.
2. The Pledge of Allegiance is a promise that we will be loyal to our country. It is to remind us of our special kind of freedom. Most countries do not have a pledge towards loyalty to their country.
3. The National Anthem is our country’s hymn. We sing it to show how proud we are to be an American, we sing it with humility and reverence for our country’s fallen, and for our country’s liberty and freedom.
4. The 4th of July marks the day those patriots declared that no other country would rule over us. American patriots fought to govern themselves in a war that lasted 8 years, a war we’ve come to know as the American Revolutionary War.
Elder Carlson also puts in perspective the relationship of patriotism the early Latter-day Saints and the prophet Joseph Smith, who founded The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Joseph Smith loved and believed in the ideals of freedom and destiny of the United States of America. Elder Carlson said he was a patriot who believed in the American Constitution. Joseph Smith stated:
“The Constitution of the United States is a glorious standard; it is founded in wisdom of God. It is a heavenly banner,... It is no coincidence that the Gospel was spread forth from a land founded in liberty and justice.”
Elder Carlson reminded us of the brave men and women, ordinary people, that were divinely guided for “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Their inspiration and foresight was not only for themselves, but for the generations that would follow and people from other lands seeking this country’s hopes of liberty.
The evening’s final musical performance of the Battle Hymn of the Republic had the choir and audience uniting voices for the final verse:
“In the beauty of the lilies
Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in His bosom
That transfigures you and me;
As He died to make men holy,
Let us die to make men free;
While God is marching on.”
–Julia Ward Howe, “Battle Hymn of the Republic”
Tommy Hamilton, First counselor Hurst Stake Presidency; Elder Bruce and his spouse, Vicki Carlson; Bob Collins, Second Counselor Hurst Stake Presidency. Image courtesy of Desiree Cortez.
Editor’s Note
Elder Carlson and his wife Vicki Carlson are now serving as Church Service Missionaries in the Texas Fort Worth Mission. Elder and Sister Carlson serve with Church Service Missionaries that serve and participate in various services from community type services or services that are part of Church operation. Church service Missionaries provide a great representation of the Church in non-proselyting services, but still as representatives of Jesus Christ and his church. Elder Carlson has switched roles leading airmen, to guiding men and women in the service of the Lord’s work.
Report by Shane Keil
Shane Keil serves as the Hurst Stake Communications and Social Media Director. In his profession, he works in outside sales; assisting engineers with the design of city water and wastewater infrastructure. He enjoys being with his wife, kids, watching movies, cooking, and playing the drums during his free time.