World War II Veterans Ed Lamport and Austin Cleveland. Picture by Randy Hatcher.
World War II Veteran Watson Crumbie speaking at the Veterans Day Concert. Picture by Randy Hatcher.
Sheilah Ross, Publicity Chair
It was COLD! It was WINDY! But Robson Ranch residents turned out in record numbers for the Music Club Community Choir’s VETERANS DAY CONCERTS. Choir Directors Joe and Tawana Arnett had promised a new format and all new music—even the Star Spangled Banner was a little different from past years (same beautiful National Anthem just a different arrangement), and they didn’t disappoint us! Patriotic music is sometimes somber, sometimes uplifting, sometimes joyous but always beautifully inspiring, and the Choir shared all of these emotions in the beautiful arrangements they proudly sang.
This year Bob Oliver again presented a fantastic video presentation matched to each song as the Choir sang. Tawana Arnett at the piano, Bert Zeitlin on keyboard, The Metro Brass and Bill Siefkin provided accompaniment. Pictures of Robson veterans were shown—then and now! All Robson veterans registered with the Support Our Troops Club were invited to attend the concerts as guests of the Music Club, and we had full houses at both concerts.
Special honored guests this year were the three gallant and brave WWII Veterans now living at Robson Ranch: Austin Cleveland, Watson Crumbie and Edward Lamport. Watson Crumbie spoke at both concerts about his experiences, the hardships and memories of his military career. Watson enlisted in the Marines at the age of 18 and fought in the Pacific battles of Saipan and Okinawa in WWII and again in the Korean War in the battle of the Chosin Reservoir. We were so proud to have these fine gentlemen with us and to honor all of our veterans on Veterans Day.
The Community Choir thanks everyone who braved the cold and wind to be part of our concerts; your warm smiles, enthusiasm and applause make it a joy to sing for you.