Publisher’s Note
Fifty years ago, during the bicentennial of our country in 1976, I was touring with “Sounds of America,” a youth singing group out of Charlotte. We traveled for three weeks every summer across the entire, expansive United States singing about our love of God and country. I was in high school and felt privileged to be among approximately 100 high school and college students who packed our instruments, suitcases, voices and enthusiasm into three Trailways buses. We left for destinations as far away as Disneyland in California, the Grand Canyon, the famous Dakota Badlands, and Washington state while passing through the Great Plains and Midwest regions known as “the breadbasket of America.”
Those impressionable years created some of the most memorable highlights of my life, teaching me lessons that still influence how I think and process my world today. The bonus I received, on top of countless memories, are the life-long friendships that continue to be deepened.
The same summer, we sang on stage with then-president Gerald Ford at Freedom Park in Charlotte during one of many bicentennial events. It was energizing to be part of a collective group with common goals that were displayed through music.
Beginning with this edition of CML, we’re especially proud of our coverage of events throughout our region that celebrate our country’s history, heritage, and traditions. Get your calendar ready and save the dates on your schedule for some incredible celebrations of America250!
~ Babette
Listen to Babette’s recent High Country Radio interview with Mark E. Norris of “Wakin’ Up In The High Country / Mark in the Morning.” Managing Editor Tamara Randolph and Cultural Arts Editor Keith Martin join in to discuss the Spring ’26 issue.