Clog America to Perform a Special Musical Tribute at the Normandy American Cemetery on July 4
In the early morning hours of June 6, 1944, Utahn Staff Sergeant Carl H. Yarrington jumped out of an airplane as the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment began the massive D- Day Invasion in Northern France. The 24 year-old soldier from Utah gave his life that day in defense of his country.
On July 4th, CLOG AMERICA will pay tribute to Sergeant Yarrington’s sacrifice as well as 14 other Utahns who lie in the cemetery so far from home. The group of dancers and musicians from Utah will then travel for three weeks in France and Portugal performing special concerts and representing the USA in their 59th and 60th folklore festivals during the 20th anniversary tour.
CLOG AMERICA represented American servicemen and women who fought in WW II during special ceremonies in Moscow celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the ending of WWII in 2005. This year the group will read messages of tribute from Governor Herbert and Senator Hatch as well as perform traditional patriotic songs and an original song, “Thanks to the Soldiers” during the 4th of July tribute at the final resting place of so many young Americans who died fighting for their country.
In a joint resolution, the Utah State Legislature recognized the CLOG AMERICA INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL ENSEMBLE as a “Utah cultural treasure” and “Ambassadors of Peace and Friendship to the World.” The group, who has carried the flag of the United States in countries around the world, will honor Utah’s native sons buried at the cemetery by leaving Utah state flags at the grave sites.
