by Ernie Kan

Each month, Tryon Estates in Columbus offers, a small display station for one of the non-profits of the area. This month they will honor the House of Flags, the only flag museum in the United States. Small flags displaying the history of North Carolina and the United States, as well as other small items from the museum’s gift shop are on exhibit. Items used by our soldiers and monetary donations are collected in one area, and a large wine basket worth approximately $600 is being raffled off in another.
Singing for the Soldiers was established in 2007 and performed for the first time in the Tryon Estates auditorium in honor of the House of Flags. At 6:30 in the evening guests were ushered in by staff for the hour-long show. Residents were also able to watch the show on closed circuit TV. Many of the residents attending were of the armed forces and nurses of past wars.
The emcee for the evening was Retired Admiral Paul Southerland of Tryon Estates. The performers were James Metcalf and the Colt Creek Band, and Mike Upright.
Mike Upright is a bass gospel singer with many miles performing on the road. His most enjoyed song of the night was “Lord Forgive Me for Forgetting I’m Forgiven”.  Mike was followed by James Metcalf and the Colt Creek Band. The Colt Creek band consists of “Banjo Bob” from Caps of Saluda, N.C., Luke Phillips, a 19 year old from Campabello, S.C., and Doug Barnes of Saluda. They performed several well know hymns and closed with “On My Way to Cannon’s Land”.
Mr. Southerland reminded all of the guests the House of Flags is a 501C3 and all donations are tax deductible. The items collected this month at Tryon Estates will be sent to soldiers in the field and those in Walter Reed Hospital. He also thanked the bands, telling them the audience would like to have Singing for the Soldiers back each year. The last announcement informed the audience of the 41st Annual Columbus Fire Department benefit concert where the Colt Creek Band will play on the first of July and Mike Upright will sing on July third.