Choir will honor World War II heroes on the 75th anniversary of D-Day.
Members of Sound of the Rockies (SOR) men's a capella choir has been given a once-in-a-lifetime privilege. They will help honor WWII veterans during the 75th anniversary ceremony at the Normandy American Cemetery, near Omaha Beach, in Colleville-sur-Mer France on June 5.
The chorus was chosen for this honor about a year ago and is the only chorus from the United States to be performing in the ceremony. The Normandy trip is in keeping with the chorus mission to positively impact others with song. It is also in keeping with SOR’s longstanding support of veterans, hosting several veterans among its own ranks.
“It’s an incredible honor to be the musical voice of our country at these solemn ceremonies,” said Bruce Henson, who is heading the trip effort for Sound of the Rockies. “Our job will be to perform for world leaders, the French citizens who sacrificed so much, and for visitors assembled to pay tribute to those served."
About 86 members of the 100-man chorus will be traveling to France in June, encompassing several generations.
"Sound of the Rockies spans the generations with young men of high school and college age up to our oldest member, in his early 80s,” Henson explained. “I have heard from all ages that this trip will bring a historical context to their lives in a deep and meaningful way.”
For veteran SOR members, this musical mission holds a particularly special place in their hearts.
“In the service, the World War II generation is the generation you look up to as the standard of excellence,” said SOR member and United States Marine Corps Veteran Sgt. Adam Mahan. For Mahan, the trip was a catalyst to get involved with the SOR, which in turn has given him a sense of camaraderie that is reminiscent of his time in the military.
“I was pretty much hooked the first time I attended a Sound of the Rockies rehearsal, but when I heard about Normandy, I knew I had to be in the group. I know that we will be there as brothers in a common mission, aligned in a single purpose to honor those who served with such excellence.”
The chorus is raising funds to help cover the expenses of this incredible honor. You can help them reach their goal by making a donation on the ColoradoGives.org website. Before they go, you can catch them at the Colorado Freedom Memorial Performance on May 25 at 10 a.m.
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
