The Selma Times-Journal

The city of Selma celebrated Independence Day Tuesday at Memorial Stadium with a packed house, despite rain that began to fall as the program started.

Selma Mayor James Perkins Jr.

said “we are here to celebrate freedom, family and friends,” then added one more “F” word to the list

– “Faith.”

“Faith is the only thing I know that can conquer our fear,” Perkins said. “… Fear seems so powerful, it stops us from enjoying our freedom.”

In order to be the community we “desire and deserve, we must show faith,” he said. “The gift we have inside us is faith.”

City Council President George Evans said that our country was founded on “the hope that all of us will be happy in the things we desire.

“I am proud to be an American,” he said. “I know you are too.”

The evening included special music, and a “Parade of Families,” who joined Perkins and the Selma High School cheerleaders as they led a march around the track.

Warren Hinson of the City’s Police Department served as master of ceremonies for the event.

City Attorney Jimmy Nunn kicked the evening’s activities off by singing “The Star Spangled Banner.”

A choir made up of city employees and led by council members Jannie Venter and Dr. Geraldine Allen sang several choruses as the crowd joined in.

Then, it was time for the “big show,” – the sky concert – 20 minutes of fireworks accompanied by patriotic music.