Latrobe to honor veterans with concert at close of 4th celebration

Latrobe’s celebration of the nation’s birth will come to a close Friday with an appreciation of the men and women who have devoted themselves to protecting their country.

The community’s two-day observance of the patriotic holiday will have a fitting finale, with a Warriors Rock concert honoring and benefiting military veterans.

“People are really excited,” said Steph Mihleder, director of the Latrobe 4th of July Celebration. “It’s been nice to see the community reaction to us focusing on the veterans.”

The concert is set for 7 p.m. Friday at Memorial Stadium in Latrobe’s Legion Keener Park. Admission is free for veterans, $10 for others.

Hempfield vocalist Gary Racan will lead a 14-piece band performing songs requested by local veterans along with some patriotic numbers.

Racan’s wife, Kim, who also is involved in the show, said audience members will hear the stories of seven veterans in video presentations that are a key part of the concert.

“We have somebody who saw conflict in Vietnam and a female veteran who served in Afghanistan,” Kim Racan said. “We also have a Gold Star mother who lost her son (in combat) and tells her story.

“Her video is very touching. Everybody doesn’t come home.”

The band will perform a song selected by each of those featured in the videos.

“It’s a song that reminded them of home when they were deployed,” Racan said.

For Friday’s concert, those songs will include The Vogues’ “Five O’ Clock World,” a number that is familiar to the band, and Daughtry’s “I’m Coming Home,” which wasn’t planned until they started rehearsing for the show.

“The band is always learning new songs for our veterans,” Racan said. “We do eight to 10 Warriors Rock shows a year.”

Inspired by their veteran fathers, the Racans began performing Warriors Rock concerts 16 years ago.

“Originally, we thought we would do one show a year,” Kim Racan said. “But it was so powerful, it has taken us all over the country.”

That has included venues ranging from Florida to Wisconsin.

The Racans perform the shows for free. With local companies covering other show expenses, the Racans are able to use the Warriors Rock concerts to raise money for local veteran-related organizations.

Friday’s show will benefit Operation Vet NOW, a Monroeville-based group that supports veterans through programs geared toward improving their physical and mental wellness.

At 5 p.m. Friday, before the show, veterans are invited to a gathering at Legion Keener Park’s small pavilion.

“It will be time for camaraderie,” Mihleder said.

They’ll be recognized with cards created by other celebration attendees. Materials for making the cards will be available at the Latrobe Police Department’s Community Corner tent, open from 2 to 6 p.m. Friday near the park band shell.

Tickets for the concert may be purchased at the stadium gate near the swimming pool. Gates will open at 6 p.m.

Visit latrobecelebration.com for more information and a complete schedule of activities.