Chorale Connection: Linda McAllister

What nostalgia I am experiencing as Huntsville Master Chorale rehearses for our Veteran Salute Concert. Singing beautiful arrangements of familiar patriotic songs as well as learning a gorgeous new piece, Solas (solace), has caused me to reflect on my father’s WWII experiences.

I have been reading and transcribing my father’s daily letters to my mom. The letters began when he was drafted in September 1943 and ended when he returned in November 1945. These letters were essentially their main form of communication so I have contemplated over and over how that lack of instant communication we now have available must have exacerbated all of the uncertainties of those war years. Even when I was born during those war years, it took my dad 3 days to reach my mom by telephone. And his letters reflected so many questions - Wonder where the Army will send me? Wonder when this war will end? Has Mama heard from Joe as he prepares for the Normandy invasion? How will Dad work the farm with his 3 sons off at war?

Surely all veterans and veteran family members can identify with these questions. Many uncertainties are still prevalent today even though modern communication likely keeps them better informed.

Our Veteran Salute Concert is designed to pay tribute to all veterans who have served or are serving to protect our freedoms. Mark your calendars for Friday, November 10, and join us at Trinity United Methodist Church at 7 PM.

Linda McAllister

President, Huntsville Master Chorale