Each year on the sixth of June, visitors from all over the world gather in Normandy, France, to honor the sacrifices made during the D-Day invasion on that day in 1944. Many special events and wreath-laying ceremonies take place to commemorate D-Day and the landing of Allied Forces on its shores during World War ll. The broad, sweeping shoreline is pristine and serene now but in 1944 the scene was very different. Many ships dotted the ocean skyline as military troops stormed the beaches in an effort to free the citizens of Europe from tyranny. Thousands of lives were lost that day and afterward, and many of those from the United States are buried in the American cemeteries nearby.
This year the premier All-American D-Day Band and Chorus is being assembled and will perform at some of these commemorative events. It is interesting to note that the band and chorus will be made up of instrumentalists and singers from all across the United States. With their music, they are to be the American ambassadors to France.
Earlier this year, the Queen Anne’s Chorale in Centreville, Maryland, was honored with an invitation to sing in the All-American Chorus. In addition, their Artistic Director, Robert Huntington, was asked to conduct this chorus. Fourteen singers, along with family and friends will join him for this exciting trip.
Before leaving however, they will meet several times to practice so they are ready to rehearse with the other singers upon arrival in France. The concert repertoire with an “Americana” theme will include “Down to the River to Pray,” “The Yellow Rose of Texas,” “Swinging on a Star” and “Peace on Earth.”
The itinerary for the nine-day trip begins with a special guided tour, stopping at several significant areas dedicated to the D-Day battles of Normandy and Brittany Campaigns. Both the chorus and band will join forces for two wreath-laying ceremonies. The first commemoration will be held at the American Cemetery at Brittany, and later, at the American Cemetery at Omaha Beach. The Chorus will present a concert in the town square in Sainte-Mère-Église as part of the Musical Salute to Liberation and participate in the D-Day Memorial Parade. Before returning home, the Chorus will have an opportunity to explore Paris and perform an afternoon concert at La Madeleine Cathedral.
As Chorale singers began planning their trip to France, they found that their town of Centreville had yet another connection to D-Day, 1944. Sadly, one of its young men, Army Private First Class William H. Quillen, fought with the 29th Infantry Division and lost his life on June 16, 1944 during an ensuing battle. He received the Purple Heart and is buried in the Normandy American Cemetery.
Upon learning of Private Quillen, members of the Chorale singers began researching and found his grave site and number. While in Normandy they plan to find William’s grave in order to honor his courage and sacrifice for the United States and the Allied Forces.
What a wonderful opportunity for these American singers and band members! To use their musicianship to honor the troops who fought on June 6, 1944, is the ultimate gift. This is certainly a trip that will create memories for years to come.
Kathryn Marchi is a contributing writer to OutLook by the Bay. She especially enjoys writing human interest stories.
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