The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States with a special broadcast of “Music and the Spoken Word” on Sunday, July 5, 2026. Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid, a three-time Super Bowl champion and one of the NFL’s most respected leaders, will serve as guest narrator for the event. Reid will highlight themes of unity, perseverance, and faith that have defined the American narrative. Reid reflected on his connection to the nation’s founding, noting his time living near Independence Hall in Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence was drafted. He described the Founding Fathers as “the ultimate team,” emphasizing their resilience in overcoming challenges and creating a lasting legacy. “I’m honored to join The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square to celebrate the birth of our nation in a place that reflects the same spirit of unity and faith,” he said. The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, nearly 180 years old, has performed globally, including at the 2002 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City and multiple U.S. presidential inaugurations. Former President Ronald Reagan once called the choir “America’s Choir,” a title that underscores its cultural significance. In 2003, the group received the National Medal of Arts from President George W. Bush for its contributions to music, its global reach, and its ability to inspire audiences worldwide. Choir President Michael O. Leavitt emphasized the choir’s role in honoring the Declaration of Independence’s proclamation of religious freedom. The choir’s signature program, “Music and the Spoken Word,” has been a weekly staple since July 15, 1929, just before the Great Depression.#kansas_city_chiefs #salt_lake_city #andy_reid #tabernacle_choir_at_temple_square #declaration_of_independence
