Oxford choir students are preparing to sing their patriotic hearts out next week to honor all those brave people who donned a uniform in service to their country.
In recognition of Veterans Day, the Oxford Middle School festival and concert choirs will perform their ‘Americana Concert? beginning at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10 at the Oxford High School Performing Arts Center.
‘This is my favorite concert of the year,? said OMS Music Director Jan Flynn, who’s organized this special event for the past seven years as a way to ‘support our veterans, teach patriotic elements to students and build a bridge into the community.?
The concert will feature a variety of patriotic songs, both traditional and modern, as well as a dance performance.
‘As our country . . . continues to struggle through difficult decisions regarding the war, there’s a need to create beauty,? Flynn said.
Amidst the performances, a keynote speech will be delivered by Oxford resident Rick Donovan (see story below), a veteran of the Marines who served in the First Persian Gulf War (1990-91).
Donovan said part of his message, called ‘Stars and Dreams,? is going to focus on encouraging veterans to pursue the things they dreamed about during their service.
‘Every veteran I talk to, I ask them, ‘When you were in the service, did you ever look up at the stars and think about what you were going to do when you got out?? he said. ‘If you ever had a thought or a dream or an inspiration to do something, now’s the time to do it.?
Donovan’s also planning to encourage people to support Louise Downs, commonly known as the ‘Desert Angel,? and her efforts to send care packages to troops serving overseas.
Speaking as a veteran, he hopes people will try to make these soldiers? holidays ‘a little bit better than what we remember.?
For Flynn, this event is a chance for everyone to celebrate their liberty as Americans.
‘This concert is all about freedom,? Flynn said. ‘I’ve had the opportunity to travel outside the U.S. and I know from personal experience that there’s no place like the U.S.A. I cherish my freedom and this is a way for me to share my deep commitment to my country with the students and the community.?
‘We’re not making a political statement. We’re merely honoring and supporting our vets and their families,? she noted.
Local veterans, along with servicemen and women on active duty, are strongly encouraged to attend the concert and, if they wish, wear their uniforms.
‘The students are eager to meet with the veterans at the concert,? Flynn said. ‘Giving the students an opportunity like this helps them see how others have given to them in ways they don’t even know. They’ve been sobered by the sacrifices of our military. I believe it’s made them richer individuals and better prepared citizens.?