BENTON HARBOR, Mich. -- Veterans from across Southwest Michigan were honored Sunday during a free concert at Lake Michigan College’s Mendel Center, where the South Shore Concert Band performed patriotic melodies in recognition of military service.
The concert, orchestrated by Dale Reuss, featured renditions of the “Star-Spangled Banner,” “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” “Amazing Grace,” and a special tribute to each of the six branches of the U.S. military. As the melody for each branch played, veterans in attendance were invited to stand and receive applause from the audience.
The event’s theme, “Wings of Eagles,” celebrated American ideals through music, visual presentations, and vocal performances. Organizers also paid homage to deceased members of “Lest We Forget,” the group responsible for bringing the event together, with a moving tribute during the program.
The annual concert drew a large crowd and served as a heartfelt reminder of the sacrifices made by veterans and the community’s commitment to honoring their service.