Show goes on at Wiregrass Freedom Fest

For 70-year-old Walt Viglienzone, who served in Vietnam and lost a nephew, Pfc. Caesar J. Viglienzone, who was serving with 101st Airborne Division in Iraq, Independence Day means much more than picnics, barbecues and fireworks. It is a time for people to come together to celebrate the one thing he, his nephew and many other men and women in uniform have fought for and continue to fight for every day  — America’s freedom.

One of the largest and longest-running Independence Day celebrations in the Wiregrass and in the state of Alabama is Freedom Fest.

Despite heavy rain and flash flood warnings canceling the planned outdoor activities and fireworks show, hundreds like Viglienzone still traveled across the country to celebrate America's 237th birthday and the nation's independence at the Wiregrass Freedom Fest July 3 on Fort Rucker.

"Sometimes the bear gets you, and sometimes you get the bear," Fort Rucker Garrison Commander Col. Stuart McRae said about the cancellations. "Today the bear got the better part, but we celebrate nonetheless. We were able to have a secondary plan to really be able to celebrate regardless of the weather."

After making several close calls, Fort Rucker officials made the final decision to move the last standing piece of the Wiregrass Freedom Fest — the 98th Army "Silver Wings" Band concert featuring national recording artist McKayla Reece — indoors and inside the post theater.

With a bubbling personality and voice compared to the late Patsy Cline, 14-year-old Reece took to the stage and opened up the show with a crowd-pleasing performance that featured beach balls being thrown throughout the crowd.

The kids in the audience went wild.

The country-gospel singer put on an energetic show that featured audience member, Chase Powers, being selected to come on stage for a special performance, as well as several solo performances with members of the 98th Army "Silver Wings" Band.

Reece also made sure to pay a special tribute to the armed forces by performing several military-oriented songs, including one personally requested by Maj. Gen. Kevin Mangum, Fort Rucker and USAACE commanding general — of Jo Dee Messina’s "If Heaven Was Needing A Hero."

A Disabled American Veterans Ambassador, Reece said the military and soldiers have always had a special place in her heart.

"It's always important to support your troops," Reece said. "They are the ones who protect us every single day of our lives. Freedom is not free, and no one should think that (it is). They are the people who deserve respect, and we should give it to them."

Reece's late grandfather, Mac McKay, retired from the Air Force after serving more than 30 years.  A Distinguished Flying Cross recipient, McKay died two years before Reece was born.

In honor of her late grandfather, the first five letters of her first name are his last name, and the last two letters were added from her grandmother to stand for “Love Always.”

Reece said it was honor to be asked to perform at the Wiregrass Freedom Fest, and said she would absolutely love to do it again.

"I enjoyed the band," she said "They are an amazing band and a whole lot more than anybody can imagine, and I love them all so much. Everyone that I have met has just been so wonderful and so nice to me and very hospitality-oriented."

After about an hour of performance Reece relinquished the stage to the 98th Army Band, which performed a blend of pop, rock, country, Latin, soul, oldies and, of course, patriotic music.

Army wife Debi Andrew said it was her first time attending the Freedom Fest, and said she came out to the event to support the 98th Army band.

"We were hoping that it (the show) would continue because they have worked so hard to put this show on for months and all their hard work is paying off," she said.

The 98th Army Band closed out the night with music lovers singing and dancing out of their seats.

This year, the Wiregrass Freedom Fest was made possible with the help of partnering cities Daleville, Dothan, Enterprise and Ozark, as well as corporate sponsors who helped contribute funds.

"Daleville has actually been involved with Freedom Fest for decades in terms of people who live in Daleville, the residents, being able to come out here and participate in it," Daleville Mayor Claudia Wigglesworth said. "It's an event that the residents of Daleville look forward to it every year."

With budget cuts and furloughs threatening the post, Fort Rucker officials requested the assistance of neighboring cities, and were gladly assisted.

"I think, collectively, the city council was willing to help out because they know that this is an important event that people look forward to," Wigglesworth said. "The Fourth of July, more than any other holiday that we celebrate, is very unifying and it really is an opportunity for people to come together and to be proud to be American."

Whether it's rain or shine, Wiregrass Freedom Fest coordinators proved the show does go on.