AIKEN, SC. () – The City of Aiken honors Memorial Day with a dance concert. I was able to talk to them about what the concert meant.

The City of Aiken continues its Hopelands Gardens Concert Series with a performance from the Aiken City Ballet this Memorial Day.

“We aim to hold this on Memorial Day because it’s an event suitable for families,” stated Rebekah Mayfield, Tourism Coordinator for the City of Aiken. “It’s free for the Aiken community. We want to give everyone the chance to enjoy something really enjoyable.”

The event was moved to the O’Dell Weeks Center due to rain, but this did not prevent the dancers from performing.

“We also wish to take a moment to honor those who have shown bravery and made sacrifices serving this country. This evening’s performance is both a remembrance and a tribute to their memory,” expressed Maria Rhinehart, President of the Aiken Civic Ballet Company.

I was told the Aiken Civic Ballet has been doing the concert series with the Hopland Gardens for over 40 years.

“It’s more about the freedom that we get to dance on this day and that dancing today is a gift,” said Rhinehart.

One parent was glad the dancers could share a dance with community members who came out.

“It’s simply wonderful for the community,” commented Ashley Ewing, a parent. “It’s an excellent way for the dancers to connect with community members, support the veterans, and also remember those who sacrificed everything for us.”