Oxford Middle School’s choirs will once again pay homage to local veterans with a show dedicated to their courage, their sacrifices and their patriotism.
The 12th annual Americana Concert will return to the stage of the Oxford High School Performing Arts Center on Saturday, Nov. 1 beginning at 7 p.m.
Admission is free and refreshments will be served following the program.
A total of 188 seventh and eighth-grade choir students will entertain the crowd and honor past and present members of the U.S. Armed Forces by singing a variety of patriotic songs, both classic and modern.
OMS Choir Director Jan Flynn said the concert allows students to use their music in a ‘meaningful way,? get involved in the community and give something back to the men and women who have defended the United States in both war and peacetime.
Local veterans from all five branches of the military are invited to attend the concert.
‘They really enjoy coming,? Flynn said. ‘In fact, they often make good suggestions on how things can be improved.?
Veterans are encouraged to wear their uniforms if they wish, so they may be easily identified and recognized for their service.
This year’s guest speaker is First Sgt. Greg Lusignan, who spent 21 years in the U.S. Army and served a total of five combat tours in Bosnia Herzegovina, Afghanistan and Iraq.
Lusignan was recommended to Flynn by a student and parent.
‘He had apparently spoken at their church and he had shared some of his experiences there,? she said. ‘The mom that I spoke to said he was very compelling and had people in tears with his stories.?
In Iraq, Lusignan earned two Purple Hearts after being wounded during two different combat missions.
Following boot camp, Lusignan completed Ranger School, where he was trained as a paratrooper, and Sniper School at Ft. Benning in Georgia. In addition to his combat tours, he served in the Philippines, Africa, Japan, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
According to the biography that Flynn was provided, Lusignan has ‘a leader’s heart ? never asking anything of his soldiers that he himself would not do.?
‘He led by example and cared deeply for those men and women who served with him and under his command.?
Flynn believes it’s very important for students to meet veterans and learn about what they did to keep this country safe and free.
A group of veterans came to Flynn’s classroom this week to share their experiences with students.
‘The kids really love talking to the vets,? she said. ‘They’re pretty open and the vets are willing to field any and all questions ? with great dignity, I might add. (The students are) learning that people who have served in the military are real people who are more than just the label ‘veteran.??
‘It’s a really meaningful time, I think, for both the vets and the kids,? Flynn added.