Veteran’s day is in the rear view mirror, having taken place this past Monday, November 11th. To show appreciation for everything some of our local veterans have done, St. Dominic Band and Choir members performed at Twin Oaks Estates.
Select Band and Choir students were offered a field trip to multiple Twin Oaks Estates’ locations to show support for seniors veterans through song. Performers left after their B1 period, and from there performed at Twin Oaks’ O’Fallon facility, and their other facility known as Heritage Pointe, in Wentzville. With the appreciation from St. Dominic students for those who dedicated themselves to protecting the United States, as well as their talent on full displays, the performances were well-received.
St. Dominic has a storied history performing at Twin Oaks, as these events have been going on for around two decades. Considering St. Dominic gets invited back year after year, it is clear to see the residents enjoy the experience as much as the students do. This long standing tradition
and the working relationship between Twin Oaks and St. Dominic, namely its Music Director Mr. Cissell, is one CEO of Twin Oaks Tim Blattel, has grown very appreciative of.
“A major shoutout is in order for Mr. Cissell. 20 years or so he’s been coming to support our veterans and embracing them, and it’s just incredible, absolutely incredible. His commitment to this has been second to none, so thank you to him and to St. Dominic.” Blattel said.
On top of the leaders and veterans, St. Dominic students have also taken much from the experience of the Tribute to Troops performances, namely Seniors Liam McMullin and Dot McMillin, both of which are employed at Twin Oaks.
“The most significant thing for me was seeing the residents there that day. I work there and I see them every week. Seeing the veterans and the support of the community like that, to sing for them, was such a surreal feeling. It felt good to do something they loved to have every year,” McMullin said.
“I’ve been doing these for four years, and this feeling comes over me whenever we sing the tribute to the armed forces at the end, and every branch we call out veterans in that branch stand. I have two uncles in the military currently deployed and two other family members who are veterans. I have also had such a respect for what they do and a soft spot for anyone who has served. So to see these men and women stand or raise a hand with pride and tears on their faces makes me want to join them,” McMillin said.
The intentionality and intensity shown by St. Dominic’s performance is clear, and as the years continue to pass, we hope the support shown to veterans on their day of honor matches the strength with which they have drawn upon to keep us safe.
