DALLAS, Ga – A metro Atlanta gospel group will be performing during one of Donald Trump’s first official duties before his inauguration.
The Nelons, based in Paulding County, will be performing “God Bless America” at Arlington National Ceremony on Thursday during Trump’s first wreath-laying ceremony.
The private, heavily guarded event will be held at 10:30 am.
“We’ve never performed at any event like this,” said Kelly Nelon Clark. “We are just so thrilled and honored.”
Four members of the Nelon family perform in the group: Kelly, husband Jason, and daughters Amber Nelon Thompson and Autumn Nelon Clark.
“My father started the group 39 years ago,” said Kelly Nelon Clark. “When he died, I took over the group,” which has also featured non-family members performing off and on, over the years.
Last year the Nelons were inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame.
Kelly Nelon Clark said the group was invited to perform through a family friend who was associated with Arlington’s guard team.
The Nelons leave for Washington, DC, on Wednesday and will attend the Kentucky ball that evening. After Arlington, the quartet will perform at three other locations in Washington, including at the site of Civil War memorial. They will also perform at the New York gala on Thursday night.
The family will also witness Trump’s inauguration and attend Friday’s presidential ball.
They return to Atlanta on Monday.
