Three soldiers, one Marine honored during Carolina Celebration of Liberty
Annual event attended by Gov. Henry McMaster and U.S. Congressman Joe Wilson
By Chris Carter
COLUMBIA, S.C. – With bands playing, choirs and soloists singing, flags waving, indoor pyrotechnics (fireworks), and nearly 6,000 cheering spectators total in two performances, FOUR SPECIAL HONOREES were recognized for their “distinguished military service” during the 36th annual Carolina Celebration of Liberty held at Columbia’s First Baptist Church, Sunday, June 25. The honorees included two S.C. Army National Guard general-officers; a Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) captain, who also serves in the Army Reserve; and a former U.S. Marine rifle squad leader who later became one of the nation’s top counterterrorism experts.
The musical production and special recognitions led by the Rev. Steve Phillips, First Baptist’s minister of music, included two shows – one at 3:00 p.m., the second at 6:30 p.m. – and were billed as the state’s premier kick-off event for Independence Day and Independence Week celebrations across South Carolina.
“This is the show of all shows and the perfect first for 4th of July celebrations, performances, and fireworks displays which will begin in earnest in less than a week,” said Col. (Ret.) Steve Vitali, U.S. Marine Corps, who incidentally was born on Independence Day in 1954. “What Steve Phillips and his team have done with this production is nothing short of phenomenal. And the fact that a fellow Marine and one of my best friends was recognized brings it all home to me personally.”
Vitali’s friend is Col. W. Thomas Smith Jr., a retired S.C. Military Department officer and former U.S. Marine Infantry leader who was one of the four “Special Honorees.” The other three were Maj. Gen. Van McCarty, the adjutant general of South Carolina; Maj. Gen. Jeff Jones, the deputy adjutant general; and U.S. Army Reserve 1st Sergeant Danny Brown, best known as the RCSD captain and star of the hit television series LIVE PD and ON PATROL: LIVE.
WLTX-TV (CBS) anchor J.R. Berry served as master of ceremonies and emcee reading the four narrative bios chronicling the military careers of each honoree.
Following an address by the Governor and remarks by Congressman Wilson, the production launched into an hour-long celebration of America with patriotic music, dancing, performances by actors dressed as signers of the Declaration of Independence, a recognition of the four special honorees, and throngs of flag-waving children culminating with a carefully choreographed indoor fireworks display.
“The church rolled out the red carpet: More like a giant welcome mat,” said Smith. “My family and I have never felt more blessed and welcomed than they all made us feel on Sunday afternoon and evening.”
From its website, First Baptist Church thanked both its sponsors and “the thousands who attended the 36th Carolina Celebration of Liberty. We were once again reminded that this country was founded upon Godly principles. It was also a wonderful opportunity to thank those who have given so much to preserve and protect our freedom. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped in so many ways and thank you for attending.”
The Carolina Celebration of Liberty will air on SCETV throughout Independence Week. For more information, visit https://fbccola.com/celebrationofliberty/.
– Military writer Chris Carter is a former semi-pro football player whose work has appeared in Canada Free Press, Deutsche Welle, and NavySEALs.com among others.