The Maryland Symphony Orchestra (MSO) has announced the difficult decision to retire the Salute to Independence concert and brand. Since its inception in 1986, the Salute to Independence has been a community tradition, celebrating America’s independence and honoring our men and women in uniform. The event, once held at Antietam National Battlefield and later moved to Hagerstown Community College, has brought together families from across the region for decades with its spectacular fireworks display, live cannon demonstrations, military flyovers, and more.
The decision to retire the Salute to Independence was made recently by the MSO Board of Directors after months of careful deliberation following two years of intense discussions with the National Park Service (NPS), local officials, and community members. Since Salute was last held at Antietam, NPS has increased their safety and security requirements, resulting in the need for substantially more equipment and personnel. The unprecedented financial and logistical challenges stemming from these requirements, along with reduced budgetary support at the Federal, state, and local levels, have made the concert financially unfeasible.
“We understand how important the Salute to Independence has been to so many in our community,” said Kim Bowen, Executive Director of the Maryland Symphony Orchestra. “When the National Park Service informed us of their construction plans, we immediately looked at options to continue Salute elsewhere on an interim basis. We are so grateful to Hagerstown Community College for being an amazing host over the last few years. While we are all sad to see such a treasured event in our community end, we recognize the need to adjust to find new, meaningful ways to serve our community that are also financially responsible and ensure the MSO continues to be one of the pillars of the arts in Washington County and the surrounding region for years to come.”
As a result of this decision, there will be no MSO summer concert in 2025. The organization is, however, beginning to explore new opportunities for future seasons that align with its mission of “Music for Everyone.”
Jason Call, President of the Maryland Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors, shared his thoughts on the decision. “This was an incredibly difficult decision for the Board, and one that was not made lightly. We are proud of the legacy of the Salute to Independence and the role it has played in bringing people together for nearly 40 years. As we look ahead, we remain committed to ensuring the MSO continues to thrive and serve our community through exceptional musical experiences.”
The MSO recognizes the impact this decision will have on the community and is deeply grateful for the support that has made the Salute to Independence a hallmark of the region for so many years. Appreciation goes to partner organizations who worked tirelessly over the years to help ensure the event’s success.
