An American Choir in England by Erich Balling, Canon Musician

As I write this, the choir, chaperones, chaplain, music staff and I have returned from a memorable day that included a visit to the American War Cemetery and Memorial in Cambridge.

I was aware of cemeteries commemorating American service men and women throughout Europe but had no idea one was located in Cambridge. 

During World War II, the area around Ely and Cambridge was used extensively for RAF and US airbases due to the flatness of the land. These bases were departure points for numerous and dangerous missions as the allies fought for freedom over tyranny. Many thousands of young men never returned to their bases, being killed over the land or sea. The American War Cemetary and Memorial contains the graves of 3,812 soldiers, Red Cross workers and other military personnel. In addition, the names of 5,126 servicemen missing in action are written on a large wall outside of the chapel there. These names include Joseph P. Kennedy Jr., the older brother of President John F. Kennedy and Glen Miller, the famed big band musician. 

The beauty and solemnity of this memorial is astounding and appropriate. Our guide was British. In addition, we met the Commander of all US foreign cemetaries (quite by chance) during our visit.

Following an interpretive talk by our guide about the history and purpose of the cemetary, we gathered in the chapel for a service led by choir chaplain Joe Mitchell. Joe read a portion of the burial office and together we recited Psalm 23 from memory. Following that, the choir sang the end of the Nunc Dimittis in B flat by noted British composer, Charles Stanford. It was truly some of the most beautiful music I have ever heard. God was present in that sacred space. To see the faees of the workers, visitors and the Commander who all attended the service was an encounter with Grace and a deep reminder of God's great gift of faith.