Cornerstone Students Sing Praises of U.S. Military

Students at in Dexter gave a rousing tribute to the U.S. military during the 21st annual "Proud to Be" patriotic concert on Wednesday.

"I feel it's important for the students to know these patriotic songs so that they feel some pride and respect for the country they live in," teacher Jenny Vanhouten said, adding that she started working with her students on the dozen patriotic songs in February.  

The concert is the brainchild of former teachers Sis Kanten and Sybil Vanhouten, who wanted to recognize Dexter's many heroes.

"Sis and I grew up during World War II and remembered how patriotic we were growing up then," Sybil Vanhouten said. "When we realized that our students didn't know the 'Star Spangled Banner,' we taught it to them along with a few other songs."  

The first patriotic concert grew from a tea for parents to an hour-long presentation that now includes student speeches about important historical events and songs like "God Bless America," "Johnny Comes Marching Home," "Let There Be Peace on Earth," "We Shall Overcome," and a rousing version of "You're a Grand Old Flag."

This year's audience included military families, firemen, law enforcement officials and veterans.

"I think it's amazing that these children do all the songs from memory," said veteran Larry Stalker, a member of the . "It sticks with them forever."  

Michael Smith Jr., a representative from Washtenaw County Veterans Services, joined the students on stage and told them about his own family's history of serving in many of the nation's wars.

"I appreciate what you do for us as veterans," he said saluting the students. "You have saluted me in song tonight and so I thank you."  

Near the end of the concert, a tradition was upheld when alumni of all ages from both Vanhouten's classes performed "Goober Peas" — a song that was often sung by Confederate army soldiers during the U.S. Civil War.