Fox Valley Community Invited to submit ‘Letters Home’ for Memorial Day Concert

Fox Valley Repertory will unite once again with select members of The Fox Valley Concert Band to create a musical tribute to the Unites Stated Armed Forces in two Memorial Day performances called "Letters Home: A Memorial Day Remembrance Concert" on May 25 and 26, 2012 at the Pheasant Run Resort Mainstage.

Back by patriotic demand, "Letters Home: A Memorial Day Remembrance Concert" was uniquely created last year for the community to remember soldiers of the past, present and future by reciting actual letters written home from local servicemen and women of the Fox Valley area.

Among the letters featured last year were several World War II love letters from the parents of Sarah Giachino, co-founder of Fox Valley Troop Support Inc. Sarah's father, Purple Heart recipient Charles Hardman, was a Lieutenant in the Army, 117th Infantry, 30th Division. The reciting of these letters, together with music, formed a powerful event of remembrance and celebration.

"This year, we've already been in contact with a contract officer named Luke, First Lieutenant in Chaos Troop of the First Squadron of the 40th Cavalry Regiment. Luke's letters home to wife Ariel, a Naperville native, will be featured in this memorable concert," says Fox Valley Rep Artistic Director John Gawlik. "This year's program will also include letters representing both Vietnam and the Korean conflicts."

Fox Valley Rep invites Fox Valley Residents, along with the various historical societies, Legion Halls and Veterans groups to submit any war letters for consideration for this year's performance. Letters can be sent to Fox Valley Rep: 4052 East Main St, St. Charles, IL 60174 to the attention of "Letters Home" by April 15, 2012. They can also be scanned and emailed to jgawlik@foxvalleyrep.org.

Additionally, Fox Valley Rep has until Memorial Day (May 28, 2012) to reach their goal of raising over $1,500 to support the success of these concerts. Support benefits the overall project which raises awareness for deployed service men and women in the military. Donations are accepted online by visiting http://www.indiegogo.com/lettershome. Online donors of $10 or more are eligible for perks such as tickets to the concerts, cds, and a copy of a soldier's letter featured in the concert.

Performances are scheduled for Friday, May 25 and Saturday, May 26, 2012 @ 8pm. Tickets are $20 with a portion of ticket proceeds benefitting the Fox Valley Troop Support, Inc. Veterans will receive 50% off the regular ticket price by presenting their ID.

Fox Valley Repertory at Pheasant Run Resort is located at 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, IL. For tickets, call the Pheasant Run Box Office at 630-584-6342, or visit www.ticketmaster.com. Additional performance information may be obtained at www.foxvalleyrep.org.