My name is Meadow Webb, and I am the daughter of a U.S. Army veteran, as well as the granddaughter of a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. My father served our country for 20 years, and I was raised as a proud military brat. Throughout my life, I have been surrounded by the brave men and women who serve our country fearlessly. The American military was born from the courageous actions of people who stood up to fight for democracy. Their sacrifices and determination ultimately led to the creation of our great nation.

I am also proud to be a member of the Manhattan School of Music Chamber Choir, conducted by Deborah Simpkin King. On November 11, we will hold a choral recital entitled "All We Hold Dear" at Manhattan School of Music in Greenfield Hall, 130 Claremont Avenue, at 7:30 PM. November 11 also happens to be Veterans Day, which could not be a more perfect occasion to celebrate our veterans through incredible choral works that speak of sacrifice, remembrance and the hope for a better future.

We would love to see you there! Bring everyone you know. Even better, bring an active-duty service member or a veteran. Let us come together to pay our respects to those who risk it all for others.

Through my grandfather's relentless history lessons and my experiences living all over the world, I have developed a deep sense of appreciation for those who serve. When we remove the ideology of war and zoom in on the individual, we begin to see something extraordinary. Throughout our nation's history, these brave individuals have chosen to put their lives on the line to help create a safer, better future. They do it for their children, their significant others, and even for people they may never meet. There is something truly beautiful about that kind of humanity.

So, I ask you to help me celebrate them. Let us remind our veterans and active-duty service members that their efforts are not in vain. To each and every one of them, we owe our gratitude for the America we know today.

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The program features works by Jake Runestad, Janet Lanier, Peter Willsher, Jeffery L. Ames, Benjamin Britten and Norman Dello Joio. Admission is free. For more details, visit www.msmnyc.edu/performances/msm-chamber-choir-11-11-2026/.