Celebrate America Show aims to revive patriotism in Millennials
Though July 4 is long gone and the summer heat is slipping away, performers sang and danced to songs like “God Bless America” and “American Patrol,” in the Taggart Student Center Tuesday night.
The Celebrate America Show — with its hosts dancers, singers and musicians — is celebrating 16 years by featuring the show “New York: It’s a Wonderful Town,” Sept. 9 to 12 from 7 p.m. to 10:45 p.m.
“There is so much talent in this show,” said Lisa Benson, a vocalist who has participated in the show in various roles since her childhood. “I think people’s breath is going to be taken away.”
The show’s founder and director Brenda Anthony said the show provides exactly what its title explains – an opportunity to celebrate the history of America during World War II. Anthony also said even though the entertainment is a key element of the show, the message it sends is what makes it unique.
“It’s great entertainment,” she said. “But it also has a good message that tugs on your heartstrings.”
While the Celebrate America Show continues to appeal to audiences of all ages, studies and news organizations across the nation are insisting traditional notions of patriotism in the United States are on the decline, especially among the millennial generation.
According to a study released by The Pew Research Center in July 2013, only 32 percent of millennials said they believe the U.S. to be the greatest country in the world. This is compared to 48 percent for Gen X, 50 percent for the Baby Boomers and 64 percent for the Silent Generation – those born from the mid-1920s to the early ’40s.
The study also found millennials the most likely to say the U.S. is not the greatest country in the world and stated, “Millennials also are less likely than their elders to express patriotism. A majority of Millennials (70%) agreed with the statement ‘I am very patriotic.’ But even larger percentages of Gen Xers (86%), Boomers (91%) and Silents (90%) said the same. This generational gap is consistent and has been identified in surveys dating back to 2003.”
Reports on dwindling patriotism among millennials are found in American National Election Studies and Wallethub, which found Utah ranking 47th in the nation for patriotism. This study was based on number of veterans, current military enrollment and voting turnout. The study was also based off of volunteer rates which Utah ranked first in the nation.
“It’s a total issue,” said Dayton Martindale, a vocalist for the show. “I think it comes from not appreciating the times or the music or the actual history. That’s why I think this show is so important, especially up on campus.”
Martindale said he has noticed a lack of patriotism among his peers. He said he has full faith that the Celebrate America Show can help people understand the importance of patriotism, especially in regards to the history surrounding World War II.
“I know I’ve gained a bigger appreciation for World War II times and the veterans,” Martindale said. “That’s a huge part of the program. Just listening to the words of those songs and learning about people who have suffered and who have died for this country, it just means a lot more to me now than it did three months ago when I started the show.”
Co-director and dance choreographer Jan Richins noted fewer students and millennials in attendance at last year’s performance, but she said patriotism is not the issue.
“I think it’s just how the word gets out,” she said. “I think the students would come if they knew about the show and knew what it was about.”
Alan Freeman, the son of Colonel Von W. Freeman — a veteran, supporter of the show and in whose name an award is given to an attending veteran every performance — also showed more optimism in millennials.
“I don’t think it’s that they’re not patriotic,” he said. “I think it’s that it hasn’t been tested yet.”
If attendance is any indication of patriotism among Utah State University students, then maître d’ of the show Dave Flandro said those studies may be misjudging. Flandro said in years past, college student attendance has averaged between 100 to 150 students per night during the show’s week-long run.
Flandro suggested a different motivation for the students’ attendance.
“They love the show,” Flandro said, “but they really come for the dancing.”
This year, a student discount of $20 is also available for Wednesdays show.
Regardless of their reasons for attending, Martindale said he thinks all audience members will leave with a stronger appreciation for veterans and American history.
“The most impactful part isn’t the singing,” he said. “It’s when the veterans stand and are honored.”