November 14, 2008

The Villages Music Society shows gratitude to veterans

The United States Travis Elite Color Guard from Travis Air Force Base presented the Colors and the Pledge of Allegiance. All photos by Thom Harney.

By Thom Harney
Veteran, United States Air Force
Special to the Times

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude aned appreciation to the past and present Veterans of our Armed Forces and to their families. Their valiant service for their country will never be forgotten.”

The quotation from the opening page of the printed “Veterans Day Program” seemed to set the tone for the memorable program presented by the Villages Music Society on Veterans Day at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day-Saints.

Veterans Day honors our living veterans; it is the complement of Memorial Day that honors our veterans who are no longer living. The combined contributions of the Villages Voices, the Villages Concert Band, and the Villages Handbell Ensemble performances were moving tributes.

Gene Menges, United States Navy veteran, and other Navy veterans listening to “Anchors Aweigh.”

Dr. Hal Peterson, Director of the Villages Concert Band, directed the Prelude.

The Travis Elite Color Guard, Travis Air Force Base, made the Presentation of Colors and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Bishop Daniel Juchau, The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints gave the Invocation.

Ken Carter, Director of the Villages Voices delivered the welcome and with the accompaniment of Carla Ward, pianist, directed “My Prayer for America” and “I Am Thankful to Be An American.”

Earl Levin, Director of the Villages Handbell Ensemble directed “This Land is Your Land” and “My Country ‘Tis of Thee.”

Major General Kent H. Hillhouse, United States Army, delivered his very moving Veterans Day address. The Villages Voices and the Concert Band combined for for the presentation of “America, The Beautiful,” written by San Jose State graduate, Carmen Dragon.

Reverend Peter Unruh, The Villages Chapel led everyone in the closing Benediction.

It was a truly memorable Veterans Day Program!