The word "Community" is seen painted on a pillar behind Congressman Louie Gohmert as he speaks and presents a flag, flown over the U.S. Capitol, to Church Under the Bridge during the Tyler Pillars of Love dedication and concert featuring Lee Greenwood Saturday under the bridge at 215 W. Valentine St. in Tyler. (Cara Campbell/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Over 300 people, sporting their best patriotic attire, filled the area under the bridge at 215 W. Valentine St. in anticipation of Lee Greenwood’s performance during the Tyler Pillars of Love dedication and benefit concert.

Leading up to Greenwood’s performance, Congressman Louie Gohmert spoke to the crowd and presented Church Under the Bridge with an American flag that was flown over the White House in Washington, D.C.

“I can’t help but think that today God is smiling,” Gohmert said. “Because what we’re doing, right under these two bridges, we’re doing his favorite thing. We’re loving him and we’re loving each other. That’s as good as it gets.”

Tyler Pillars of Love and concert organizer Dr. Sasha Vukelja said she’s proud to be an American and to be part of the event.

“I was homeless at one time and I can relate to all these people,” she said.

Before his performance, Greenwood, as promised, autographed the American flag mural under the bridge, accompanying his signature with his famous lyric, “God Bless the USA.”

Greenwood also took photos with event organizers, sponsors and Tyler Pillars of Love artists.

Greater New Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Choir warmed up the audience with a performance of “Let it Shine,” among a few other songs.

The audience cheered, clapped and sang from their seats as Greenwood performed his set including “Wind Beneath My Wings” and his most famous ballad “God Bless the USA.”

The area under the bridge is a highly populated area where homeless people reside and hang out in the city of Tyler. Several ministries meet there as well.

The Tyler Pillars of Love and Lee Greenwood benefit concert were organized to raise funds to help eradicate homelessness in Tyler, according to event organizers.

To make a donation to help efforts to end homelessness in Tyler, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/helptylershomeless.

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