December 7, 2011 was the Seventieth Anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day and I was honored to sing for the Commemorative event in Simi Valley, California, the only “Purple Heart City” west of the Mississippi. WWII veterans were in attendance as well as a Pearl Harbor survivor who had been on a hospital ship docked near the Arizona.

I sang the national anthem during the presentation of the colors, and then it was chilling to hear a recording of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s speech to Congress and the nation from Dec 8th, 1941, declaring we were at war.

There was a proclamation by the mayor, followed by more patriotic music, and it was hard to keep the tears in check during “Amazing Grace” for the candlight ceremony. The Veterans Museum in Simi is filled with poster art and memorabilia going back to 1908, through both World Wars. This special military history exhibit is from the private collection of Nigel Boucher, who has been an art director and set decorator for many films, including “Pearl Harbor”.  Take time to visit this gorgeous collection when you are in the area!

It was a very special evening and we should never forget the sacrifices made by our military who have made possible the freedoms we enjoy today.