Boy’s patriotic spirit shines through

Contributed photo by Peter Noyes Dale Huffman with his patriotic pal, Robert Burke, on Memorial Day 2009. Contributed photo by Peter Noyes

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By Dale Huffman, Staff Writer 12:09 AM Thursday, July 2, 2009

One little boy in Miamisburg knows that the Fourth of July is an important and patriotic day.

“It’s a time to fly the flag and to remember our soldiers,” said 5-year-old Robert Allen Burke. “It is a cool day.”

Robert, who will begin kindergarten at Bauer Elementary School in the fall, has been living in his grandparents’ home, where patriotism is promoted.

According to his grandmother, Linda Byrd, little Robert’s grandfather, her husband, was in the U.S. Army from 1978 until 1991. “Robert and his parents, live with me and his Grandpa Jerry Byrd,” she said. “My husband has taught Robert about what it takes to be a soldier. And we have had a number of relatives who were in the military. One of Robert’s uncles died in action during World War II.”

I witnessed young Robert’s patriotism on Memorial Day when I emceed the military parade on the grounds of the Veterans Administration Medical Center at 4100 W. Third St.

I noticed him at the parade site wearing a little camouflage suit, and pointed him out to those along the parade route. He stood at attention and offered a sharp salute every time an American flag was carried by. Robert and his grandmother waited around after the parade, and he told me, “I like being here for our soldiers.”

The grandmother said the boy has been interested in “all things military” for a long time. She said, “He has flags on the wall in his bedroom, and he has a lot of militarylike toys. He just has this patriotic spirit.”

She said last Christmas Robert helped wrap and deliver gifts to members of the military hospitalized at the VA Center over the holiday. “He enjoyed it so much he has already started shopping for gifts so he can do it again next Christmas,” she said.

Last weekend, Robert and his family attended the military tattoo at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. On Sunday, July 5, the young man plans to take part in an Independence Day program at his church, First Baptist, 323 N. 11th St., in Miamisburg.

A photographer from Wapakoneta, Peter Noyes, snapped a photograph of Robert with me after the Memorial Day parade and I forwarded a copy to the young man.

Robert sent a thank-you note that included the polite words, “Thank you and hope to see you at the parade for the soldiers next year.”

Patriotic concert

Dayton’s Gem City Chorus of the Sweet Adelines are calling their fundraising concert “A Star Spangled Celebration.” The musical program is Sunday, July 12, at 2 p.m. at the Centerville High School Performing Arts Theater, 500 E. Franklin St.

The Sweet Adelines barbershop harmony group is more than 120 voices strong, and was founded in 1970.

Throught the years, under the baton of Master Director Jean Barford, the singers have been judged the best in international competition and have five gold medals and five silver medals in the trophy case at their rehearsal hall, 243 N. Main St., in Centerville.

According to chorus spokeswoman Jo Anne Gunderlock, the singers will be heading to Nashville, Tenn., in October to compete for another international medal.

“We are working hard and perfecting our presentation, including some top-notch choreography,” Gunderlock said. “We know there is fierce competition, but we have high hopes of joining the victory circle once again.”

To purchase tickets for the July 12 show, call the Gem City Chorus at (937) 433-1014. Advance sale reserved seating is $12 and $15. General seating is $10. For additional information, visit www.gemcitychorus.org.

Dale Huffman wants your suggestions and story ideas. This column is for you. Send e-mail to dhuffman@DaytonDailyNews.com or write to Dale at 1611 S. Main St. Dayton, OH 45409. Fax: (937) 225-2489. Phone: (937) 225-2272.

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It is great to see something nice in the news! Good for those Grandparents for teaching their grandson what is mean to have the rights that we have today and to have the respect for all that service!! GOD BLESS AMERICA!!

KP
8:33 AM, 7/2/2009

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Terrific story. Maybe there is still hope for America. This young man understands the greatness of America and has more respect for America than Charlotte Szabo of Brookville. Maybe he can teach her why America is great. Maybe he can teach her what the 4th of July represents. Out of the mouths of babes.

Leslie
8:22 AM, 7/2/2009

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