To the editor:
As a retired career military officer (28 years in the Navy), Memorial Day has long held a special place for me. On a personal level it is more than a national recognition of sacrifice and service, it is a sharp reminder of friends and family who embody the ideals of the day. Yesterday, I had the privilege to attend the 2018 National Memorial Day Choral Festival at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. It was a wonderful event which took on the added majesty and prestige that the Kennedy Center gives to everything that happens there. I have never been more proud and seldom felt more pleasure than I did in seeing the Elizabethton High School Chorale, led by Mrs. Deborah Gouge, performing with the U.S. Air Force Symphony and groups from across the USA. The music soared, the air was alive with patriotism and it felt so very good for all the right reasons. For the Elizabethton Chorale group to be in the middle of such an extraordinary event is surely a source of pride not only for the families and members of the Chorale, but for Elizabethton and surrounding area as well. I offer my heartfelt congratulations to Mrs. Gouge and the Elizabethton Chorale; it was an honor to share the event with such special folks from “home.”

Darrell W. Campbell
Captain, U.S. Navy (Retired)
Warrenton, Va.