Naval Academy Men's Glee Club To Honor 50th Anniversary Of JFK's Death With Song

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ)—The U.S. Naval Academy Men's Glee Club is heading to Dallas.

Mary Bubala reports the club will perform Friday at a ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of President Kennedy's death.

The U.S. Naval Academy Men's Glee Club rehearses just days before heading to Dealey Plaza in Dallas, Texas-- the site of JFK's assassination on Nov. 22, 1963.

"We have the incredible honor of being able to perform for the JFK 50th. We will be singing three songs: 'America the Beautiful,' 'Eternal Father,' which is also known as the 'Navy Hymn,' and one of our absolute favorites 'Battle Hymn of the Republic,'" said Dr. Aaron Smith.

For this 65-member military choir, the moment is not just about honoring a president but also a naval hero.

John Fitzgerald Kennedy served as a lieutenant in the Navy during World War II and was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his heroics as the commanding officer on a motor torpedo boat.

Midshipman Matthew Sandusky is from Texas and he says Dealey Plaza is a powerful place to visit.

"How much good one person can do?  John F. Kennedy on one side and then Lee Harvey Oswald on the other side, just one person who could either do a lot of good or a lot of harm," Sandusky said.

This is a significant honor for the Naval Academy Glee Club. It is the only musical group invited to perform.

The ceremony begins Friday at 11:30 a.m. You can see it stream live on the web. Click here for more information.

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