By Donnie Moorhouse
At Friday night's "Springfield Veteran's Concert 2000," featuring John McDermott, Dan Walsh, Director of Veterans Services for the City of Springfield, will present a check to the Holyoke Soldiers' Home for funds raised at last year's event. He is excited about this particular donation because of its destination. "It's because that is where I will end up too," said the decorated veteran. "This will go toward a sound system at the home. Every year we hope to add a little to the donation we send up there."
The benefit show supports several charities
including homeless veterans causes and patriotic funds. For the second
year in row, Irish tenor John McDermott will headline the event. McDermott
is a high-profile supporter of veteran's causes.
"So much of the music I sing speaks to the veteran's experience," says
McDermott on his web site (www.johnmcdermott.com). "I feel a great deal of
respect for the men and women who put their lives on the line for the sake of
their country."
Walsh said McDermott's dedication to the veterans is incomparable. "He has taken the homeless veterans' causes as his project," said Walsh. "He has done so much for the shelter in Boston. He is just a great guy."
Last year, McDermott released "Remembrance," an album of songs such as "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," "Christmas In The Trenches," and "The Wall," written by Vietnam veteran Tim Murphy. The album was dedicated to all veterans.
According to Walsh, Murphy will be in attendance along with other special guests. The event will begin with a flag ceremony, followed by McDermott's performance.