04/22/2026
Active Military and Veterans Honored at “Let Freedom Sing!” Concert on April 26 3:00 PM
AIKEN, S.C. — The Aiken Choral Society invites the community to celebrate America’s 250th birthday at its upcoming Let Freedom Sing! concert, a patriotic musical tribute honoring active military members and veterans. Join this outstanding American tribute on Sunday, April 26, 2026 at 3:00 pm at St. John's Methodist Church in Aiken. Feel free to park in neighboring church and office building parking lots.
The program will feature beloved works by American composers performed by Aiken’s longest-standing community choir. Accompaniment will be provided by pianist David Brown and trumpeter Reed Gallo.
Teddy Milner, mayor of Aiken, will welcome guests and lead the Pledge of Allegiance. A highlight of the concert will be a special tribute to service members, as the South Aiken High School ROTC Color Guard presents the colors. Veterans and active-duty military in attendance will be recognized during a moving performance of the Armed Forces Salute.
Under the direction of Artistic Director Maureen Simpson, the choir is especially proud to include members with distinguished military backgrounds, including Jan Bogardus and Ken Wanless.
Bogardus, who also serves on the ACS Board of Directors, was the first female ROTC scholarship recipient from Northeastern University in Boston. She earned a master’s degree in exercise physiology from the University of Virginia and attended the Command and General Staff College in Leavenworth, Kansas.
Her distinguished military career includes two tours in Germany, where she served as a company commander and deputy plans director for the Army European Theater. She later served at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point as a professor and director of instruction in the Department of Physical Education. Bogardus is also Airborne qualified. Her honors include three Meritorious Service Medals, three Army Commendation Medals, two Army Achievement Medals, and two overseas service ribbons.
Ken Wanless was commissioned in the Army in June 1969 and served until January 1990. He began his career as a field artillery officer before attending flight school, where he earned his wings as a helicopter pilot. Over the course of his service, Wanless commanded a field artillery battery, served as an instructor pilot, and held positions on both Army and Joint staffs at the Pentagon. His assignments took him to Korea, Germany, and multiple Army installations across the United States. He retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
The Let Freedom Sing! concert promises an inspiring afternoon of music, patriotism, and gratitude for those who have served. It is free and open to the public.
