Ahead of the Fourth of July Holiday, the Orlando International Airport hosted its annual Liberty Weekend concert featuring the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra on Saturday, June 24. Themed “A Red, White and Blue American Celebration,” the complimentary concert included patriotic favorites and American classics for those traveling through MCO and members of the community.
Prior to the concert at 7:45 p.m., the Colonel Joe Kittinger Award was presented to retired Marine pilot Colonel David A. Smith of Seminole County who served 30 years in the armed forces. His career featured six overseas deployments, more than 4,600 mishap-free flight hours and multiple decorations. He is currently the State Representative for District 38 and is serving as Chairman of the Veteran’s Caucus.
“I can’t think of a more deserving Kittinger Award recipient than David A. Smith to help keep up the tradition of excellence in aviation and community involvement, as displayed by Joe Kittinger,” said Kevin Thibault, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.
The free patriotic concert took place in the atrium of the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Level 3 of the Main Terminal at Orlando International Airport.
Source: Orlando Philharmonic, Orlando International Airport
Photo Source: Victoria Shultz
