(This story has been updated to correct an error.)
CANTON ‒ Chorus for a Cause has lent its time and talent to support local nonprofits through the gift of music since 2009.
Next month, several dozen members of the choir will head to Normandy, France, to take part in the world’s annual D-Day observance.
Chorus for a Cause founder and music director Christine Allison said the choir was nominated by a local World War II veteran, followed by an invitation from Historic Productions.
The group will leave for France on June 3.
“I personally think it’s quite an honor to be asked to do it, and to be nominated,” she said. “It’s great to be able to go represent not only our Canton area, but the United States.”
On June 6, 1944, 156,000 Allied forces from Great Britain, Canada and the U.S. stormed the shores of northern France to break the Nazis’ stronghold over the region. An estimated 10,000 soldiers died during the conflict, including 2,500 Americans, many of whom are buried in the Normandy American military cemetery in France.
The successful but costly campaign marked the beginning of the end of World War II in Europe.
“I’ve never been to Normandy. It’s just one of those things I can’t imagine,” said Jay Spencer, the group’s music organist who also serves as the house organist at the historic Canton Palace Theatre. “To visit is one thing, but to do what we’re doing is interesting; the whole idea of being part of it. The more I think about those veterans, it’s just an incredible story.”
Spencer said their performance in France will include a rendition of composer John Williams’ “Hymn to the Fallen,” which was written for the film, “Saving Private Ryan.”
Allison said the chorus also will participate in a parade.
“After the commemoration, we will sing in the Sainte-Mère-Église Village Square, and at the chapel where a parachutist got caught on the church tower,” she said.
Spencer said their itinerary also includes a performance at the La Madeleine in Paris and a tour of Versailles.
Asked if they would perform any songs in French, Allison said no.
“Actually, they told me they don’t want any French, she said.
Allison said the chorus, which she started to raise funds for local nonprofits, performs about two to three concerts a year. Last month, they sang for Wishes Can Happen.
“We’re singers making a difference,” she said.
Allison said about 44 of their 75 singers will travel to France, noting that the participants range from a teenager to an 88-year-old.
The Rev. Thomas Douce, retired executive director of the Interfaith Campus Ministry which serves Stark State College and Kent State University’s Stark campus, and his wife, Betsy, will be among those going.
Douce said his father was born in England and was just 10 years old when he emigrated to America to live with an aunt and uncle in Indiana.
“My dad served in World War II in Italy,” he said. “So many soldiers gave their lives. It’s not just a visit, it’s a chance to participate. I’m looking forward to it.”
This article originally appeared on The Repository: ‘It’s not just a visit.’ Chorus for a Cause will perform at D-Day event in France
Reporting by Charita M. Goshay, Canton Repository / The Repository
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
