By Karianne Salisbury
Waving American flags was just a small part of the Stadium of Fire experience for the thousands of fans who filled the seats of the LaVell Edwards Stadium July 1, 2006.
From sending text messages to servicemen to reuniting one family after an eight-month separation, one main focus of the show was honoring the American troops serving their country from around the world.
“The Fourth of July is about celebrating our freedom and our troops, so they should be there and be a part of our celebration,” said Jake Neider, a freshman from Bethesda, Md.
The program was broadcast live through the American Forces Television network to troops throughout the world, as it has been for four consecutive years. Also, accompanied by the phrase “There’s a new way to show our troops you care,” more than 3,000 text messages were sent from the stadium to soldiers.
For Shannon Smith, a Provo resident and repeat Stadium of Fire attendee, the overall experience at the show proved to be better than past years.
“I really liked the fireworks and the music, but my favorite part of the evening was when they reunited the family,” Smith said. “It’s a really patriotic show and I like what they do for the troops.”
The show’s big finale featured fireworks imported across the Pacific Ocean from China. Hand-picked and perfectly in sync with a mix of music selections, the precise and colorful display dazzled the audience both inside and outside the stadium.
“It was awesome,” said Nick Bird, a BYU graduate from Washington. “There were so many fireworks I couldn’t hear myself.”
While favorite features may have ranged from the Battle of the Bands to the precisions parachute team, appearances from country singer Lee Ann Womack, “American Idol” winner Taylor Hicks and Raven Symone of Disney Channel’s “That’s So Raven” guided the evening from beginning to end.
Following the pattern set previously in the show, the performers each took the opportunity to dedicate part of their performances to the American troops.
In the introduction of his song, “Do I Make You Proud,” Hicks said, “This is for the troops – yes, you make us proud.”
America’s Freedom Festival at Provo will continue Monday and Tuesday with events including Freedom Days, a Balloon Fest, tours of Historic Provo and a parade. More information about the Freedom Festival is available at freedomfestival.org.
