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Directed by Susie Hutchings, the 24 member chorale group warmed the hearts and comforted those who mourned lost friends and loved ones with a pointedly patriotic program that included:Ê "Blessed are the Peacemakers", "The Battle Hymn of the Republic", "Standing on the Promises", "I Remember You", a cantata entitled "Stars and Stripes Forever", and "Salute to the Armed Forces".Ê

Audience members of all ages, decked out in red, white and blue and grasping small American flags, allowed the emotional tones to take them away, and Mrs. Hutchings proved to be an able guide as she steered her musicians through sensitive notes as well as powerful crescendos.ÊÊ

The choir is in its fourth year and is made up of members from Bellaire and surrounding cites of Ellsworth, Central Lake, and East Jordan.Ê Mrs. Hutchings is its founder, having begun with a group of 25 singers who first put on a Christmas Contata.Ê She described her interest in beginning the group in the first place.Ê "It is the love of music and the members of our choir that got me started and that keep me going.Ê This love will just not let me go.Ê I have been singing just about as long as I have been breathing.Ê My voice isn't what it used to be, but as long as I can still flail my arms, I will be involved with music."Ê

The patriotic concert is one of two performed each year now, with the other being at Christmas.Ê Hutchings called this concert "important", and added that, "my Grandfather probably had something to do with me starting this choir and performing patriotic music since he once directed an Army band."Ê

Doctor Wilmer Glenny is a member of the choir, and on this day proudly wore his Army hat.Ê It turns out that he was a medic in World War II, serving with the 119th Medic Battalion in the 44th Infantry.Ê When asked why this day and concert were important to him, he replied, "We lost quite a few men in Germany and then came home to prepare for assignment in Japan. I sing in honor of my fallen comrades."

In the audience sat a distinguished looking senior citizen.Ê He looked trim in a white sweater.Ê He had a thick shock of silver hair and a solid handshake.Ê He sat board straight in his chair and had a wistful, peaceful air about him.Ê His name is Carroll Hawkins, a transplant from Dallas, Texas now living in Meadowbrook.Ê He had been brought to the concert by his niece's husband.Ê He served during the Korean war in the Combat Engineer's Army.Ê He summed up his feelings succinctly by saying, "I like Memorial Day for its patriotism."

On this night, Carroll was not the only one feeling the power of patriotism, and that was due to the efforts of the 24-member choir who dolled it out in sweeping stanzas.Ê These people who volunteer their time and talent are just another example of Americans willing to serve.Ê They were rewarded with frequent and enthusiastic applause, and if they could have gotten a closer look, I'm sure there was plenty of gratitude in the form of goose bumps as well.Ê

Before they headed on stage, Director Hutchings told her singers to, "Be proud of the work you've done and the performance you will make."Ê They went out to sing on the risers, but it was the audience that was roused in the end. As they parted, it seemed that everyone was just a little bit taller. It was yet another reminder of why we live where we do.Ê