NPGA Celebrates America!

Patriotism ruled supreme this year during the Southeastern Show for National Propane Gas Association. “9-11 changed the world and everything in it” says Chuck Brandon for NPGA. “We wanted to come back strong this year with a message of support for our country!” And come back strong they did!

Opening reception activities included tons of red, white, and blue balloons; a giant American flag hung over the main stage; and a 150-piece marching band from Atlanta’s own Morris Brown College. Flag pins were distributed as guests entered the ballroom for opening festivities, and worn proudly for the next three days during the show.

Ex-marine Clebe McClary (pictured right with Chuck Brandon) delivered a moving speech during the prayer breakfast on Sunday morning. After suffering the loss of one arm and one eye during the Vietnam conflict, Clebe underwent 30 major surgeries and countless hours of physical therapy. Since then he has used his powerful story of courage, determination and strength to motivate audiences the world over.

“I’ve never seen such a long lineup at any speaker’s book table” says executive producer Dianne McGarey of Axtell Productions. “It took a full hour for the crowd to work it’s way through, and 90% of them bought TWO books in order to share the story with someone else. It was awesome!”