Fort Monmouth Honors Veterans
Fort Monmouth continues to pay homage to its rich history by celebrating American heroes of the past and present. This November, the Fort hosted two Veterans Day events — the inaugural Veterans Day parade and golf outing at Suneagles Golf Course and a special Veterans Day tribute performance by the Monmouth Civic Chorus at the Triumphant Life Assembly of God Church in Oceanport.
Twenty-five-year veteran, 1st Sgt. Wayne Bard, is a local Eatontown resident responsible for organizing the parade and golf fundraiser on behalf of the Fischer House Foundation, which provides lodging for military families and veterans when loved ones are hospitalized. The Association of the United States Army, a nonprofit organization, sponsored the parade. This organization provides “a voice for the Army, supports the Soldier, and honors those who have served in order to advance the security of the nation,” as well as other educational and professional development opportunities for current and former military members.
Nearly 1,000 people gathered together to participate or observe the parade, including the local Falcons Pop Warner team and cheerleaders; Boy Scout Fort Monmouth Troop 49; Monmouth Regional High School band; the Antique Motoring Club of Monmouth County; bagpipers; local police, fire and first aid squads; and local leaders, politicians and legislators.
Adjacent to the Fort’s Main Post historic district, the Monmouth Civic Chorus gathered at the Triumphant Life Assembly of God Church in celebration of Veterans Day. Honoring the 100th anniversary of the armistice of World War I, the group paid tribute to the nation’s veterans with an emotional and stirring presentation of wartime-inspired music as they presented “Dona Nobis Pacem: A Salute to Veterans.” Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem, Barber’s Adagio for Strings, and Songs of Love & War by Paul Moravec honored the brave men and women who have served our country. As a special tribute, the concert was presented free to the public. The chorus was joined by an orchestra and led by Dr. James Ryan Brandau, artistic director/conductor.
“We were pleased to present this concert at the former Fort Monmouth Chapel, now Triumphant Life Church,” said Monmouth Civic Chorus President Patti D’Andrea. “We hoped to give back to the community and to our nation’s veterans with this moving concert.”
D’Andrea asked all veterans and their families present for the concert to stand and be recognized. They were greeted with loud applause from the audience.
Nearly 600 people attended this special event. “Dona Nobis Pacem,” or “Grant Us Peace” concluded Sunday’s 4pm performance.
The concert was presented as part of the chorus’ 70th anniversary season. The season continues with the chorus’ annual holiday concert, Joy to the World: A Christmas Suite, at the Count Basie Center for the Arts on Sunday, December 16th at 4:00 p.m. Visit http://www.monmouthcivicchorus.org for more information or to purchase tickets.
Monmouth Civic Chorus is nonprofit organization based out of Monmouth County, NJ. Its mission is to offer a diverse repertoire of choral music to the community in an environment that promotes individual and collective artistic growth and encourages mutual support and camaraderie.