Utahns fired up over 4th

PROVO — Despite dark clouds and the threat of rain, it wasn't lightning that lit up the night sky Saturday at LaVell Edwards stadium but a 25-minute fireworks show — and a million firecrackers.

Actress and singer Mandy Moore and country music group Lonestar were headlining attractions at the Stadium of Fire, an annual event of America's Freedom Festival at Provo.

Almost 50,000 people danced and sang along with the music at the stadium at Brigham Young University to celebrate the show's 25th anniversary.

In the past, a master of ceremonies has led the show, but this year, with new producers from Los Angeles, the night took on a different quality, more like an Olympic opening ceremony.

The show began with the Pledge of Allegiance led by actor Louis Gossett Jr., then the national anthem by the hundreds of voices in the Hope of America children's chorus.

When the announcer said "Home of the brave," four F-16s thundered over the stadium, led by Maj. Travis Rex of Hill Air Force Base's 388th Fighter Wing.

"We wish all of you a very safe and happy Independence Day weekend," Rex said, on camera in flight. "God Bless America."

For the past two years, the Pentagon has requested the Stadium of Fire be broadcast on the American Forces Network to troops serving around the world. But this year, thanks to satellite technology, three Utah National Guard soldiers were not only able to see the program but also say hello to their families back home, in a reciprocated broadcast.

"It's great to know you guys are supporting us," said Sgt. Larry Kittell from Fallujah, Iraq, where it was about 6 a.m. this morning.

Kittell, from Spanish Fork, stood with two other Utah natives, Staff Sgt. David Moreno from Roy and Staff Sgt. Bart Johnson from West Haven, to say hello to their families and express their thanks for the support of all Americans.

To introduce herself, singer Debbie Reynolds said: "For all you little ones, I'm Princess Leia's mother," which generated applause and laughter for the actress mother of "Star Wars" actress Carrie Fisher.

Reynolds sang, then turned the stage over to younger sensation Moore, who got the crowd on its feet despite the wind and occasional raindrops.

Twelve-year-old Rachel Davis had been waiting to see Moore, and since her older sister has Moore's CDs, she said she might even sing along to the performance. Last year, she said, her favorite parts of the show were Reba McEntire and the fireworks.

The Frederiksen family said they traveled from Nampa, Idaho, to enjoy their second Stadium of Fire.

"It's an awesome program," Joan Frederiksen said. "There's a really good feeling of patriotism and love for our country."

That theme echoed throughout the celebration. The Hope of America choir, accompanied by an orchestra led by Kurt Bestor, summed up the sentiment with a song about American heroes: "To save someone's life, you put yourselves in harm's way. That is the task you do everyday. American heroes, you will always be in our history."

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