Addison church puts on pint-size program

The Statue of Liberty held her torch high as she greeted visitors Sunday to Calvary United Pentecostal Church in Addison.

"I've been a (church) member since I was 4," said Abigail Adams of Northlake, who was portraying the quintessential American icon for the church's annual children's patriotic program, this year titled, "This Is America."

While Adams posed as Lady Liberty, a man bearing a strong resemblance to President Abraham Lincoln hobnobbed with guests, who were also greeted by a woman portraying flag-maker Betsy Ross.

Backstage, before the program began, children rehearsed.

Jenna and Janessa Girardi, 11-year-old twins from Addison, said they looked forward to singing songs such as "Standing Up for Freedom," "Statue of Liberty," and "God Bless the USA."

"I think it's a great opportunity to share freedom with everybody," said their friend, 11-year-old Addison resident, Brielle Labat.

As the girls got ready for their performances, Jenna and Janessa's father, Dennis, entered the room with a costumed man dressed as Uncle Sam. The get-up was spot on, except that the fake, white beard wouldn't stay put. Dennis Girardi applied some theatrical adhesive and Uncle Sam was ready to take the stage.

Outside, as churchgoers and spectators gathered, they were greeted by Vic Zenaty, a U.S. Army veteran from Arlington Heights, and John Moran, a U.S. Army active reservist from Melrose Park. Both members of the church, they said they were honored to be part of the program.

"It's about freedom. Freedom to live in America, freedom to worship God," said Zenaty. "It's about the freedom we experience in America."

The two men carried the American flag into the church as the program began, and later laid it, folded, at the base of a replica of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

As a slide presentation beamed images of American life onto a large screen, children sang and the audience applauded.

Dennis Girardi said the children, who range in age from 4 to 11, look forward to participating in the church's Fourth of July celebration every year.

"We want to celebrate America," he said.