The Texas Children’s Choir is heading to Hondo, but that’s only a small step compared to where they’re going next summer -- Normandy Beach in France, where Americans invaded on D-Day.
Volunteer Laura Force, whose 9-year-old daughter is in the choir, said that common purpose is the key to the choir’s success. She talked about Choir Director Dr. Thomas Hardaway’s efforts with the children:
"Dr. Hardaway instills in the children that their choir is as much about instilling their own voices independently and together as a choir, as it is also service to others," Force said.
The 70-child choir from the San Antonio area range in age from 8-15, and their performances often are in honor of others.
"He definitely wants them to know that their life is not about waking up and glorifying themselves" she said.
This weekend they’ll be singing in a ceremony at the Hondo Municipal Airport honoring Col. Gail Halvorson, also known as the "Candy Bomber" because of his efforts for children during the Berlin Airlift of 1948. The Commemorative Air Force is providing a C-47 like what Halvorson flew, as well as a B17 for the event.
"He’ll be flying in the C-47 and dropping over 2,000 candies with little parachutes to the children who are participating in the activities," force said.
The Texas Children’s Choir sings patriotic, religious and songs popular in World War II, which may be part of the reason for their next summer plans.
"The Texas Children’s Choir has been invited to sing in the American ceremonies on the Normandy Beach for the 70th Anniversary of D-Day," she said.
Learn more about the group at: texaschildrenschoir.org
