By: Warren Graves and Kathryn Boudreau (HHCS Members)
The Hilton Head Choral Society is honored to participate each year in the observance of Veterans Day to honor veterans, including our own HHCS members who are veterans. It has been a long-standing tradition of the Hilton Head Choral Society to participate in both the annual Veterans Day and Memorial Day ceremonies. For more than twenty years, the Choral Society has lent their vocal talents to these time-honored events.
When first invited to perform at these ceremonies, former HHCS Artistic Director, Tim Reynolds, considered it an honor to participate to honor our Military Veterans, both living and deceased. At each event the HHCS performs the Military Salute, a compilation of each service’s Military Song. In addition, we have performed our National Anthem and other appropriate songs for the occasion.
After Tim retired, Dr. Dustin Ousley took over as the HHCS Artistic Director and has led the Choral Society through three years of military veteran ceremonies.
The History of Veterans Day
Do you know the history behind Veterans Day? This day of remembrance is sometimes confused with Memorial Day which is in May. The two observances are quite different in their meaning.
Veterans Day was originally known as Armistice Day and was created to commemorate the end of World War I. The armistice ending that war was signed in 1918 on the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour, hence November 11th. At the time, it was hoped that World War I would be the “War to End All Wars.” In 1938, Armistice Day was declared a federal holiday.
In 1954, with the United States having then fought in both World War II and the Korean War, Congress amended the Act of 1938, replacing the word “Armistice” with “Veterans.”
President Dwight Eisenhower wrote, “I have today signed a proclamation calling upon all of our citizens to observe Thursday, November 11, 1954 as Veterans Day. It is my earnest hope that all veterans, their organizations, and the entire citizenry will join hands to ensure proper and widespread observance of this day.”
Thus, November 11 became Veterans Day, a day to honor all American veterans.
The HHCS looks forward to continuing our relationship with the host of these time-honored Veterans Ceremonies so that we can continue to honor our Hilton Head Island Veterans for many years to come.
Looking for a great early Christmas present for someone special?
Season tickets are now available here. Tickets for “A Night Divine,” $15 – $45, make great gifts and can be purchased online or at the door, if available. Buying tickets in advance for all concerts is strongly suggested. All seating is reserved.
For more information or for assistance placing your ticket order, call 843-341-3818 or email tickets@hiltonheadchoralsociety.org. We look forward to kicking off the Holiday season with you at the concert!