Entertainment Wire - November 11, 1999
Recording Star John McDermott Joins Miss America 2000 to Pay Tribute to American Veterans During Whirlwind Veterans' Day in Washington, DC
by Entertainment Wire
Recording Star John McDermott Joins Miss America 2000 to Pay Tribute to American Veterans During Whirlwind Veterans' Day in Washington, DC
Singer an official guest of the VA at White House, Arlington National Cemetery; performs original tributes to American veterans at Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Constitution Hall
WASHINGTON (ENTERTAINMENT WIRE) - John McDermott, a lifelong champion of veterans' causes and star of the PBS hit The Irish Tenors today performed two new pieces, "The Wall" and "A Veterans Hymn" at two separate Veterans' Day ceremonies.
Mr. McDermott joined Miss America 2000 Heather Renee French at a commemoration ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. His moving original tribute to Vietnam Veterans "The Wall" preceded Ms. French's keynote address. Later, the two unveiled the newly commissioned "A Veterans Hymn" in a duet performance at a VA ceremony at Constitution Hall. John McDermott and Miss America 2000 share a chosen cause: homeless veterans
Earlier today, Mr. McDermott joined President Clinton, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Togo West, and others at the President's Veterans Day Breakfast at The White House, and the wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.
Mr. McDermott's ongoing dedication to American veterans was realized in May of this year with the release of his solo album Remembrance, a tribute album featuring songs which recall America's great wars. Honored earlier this year with the opening of Washington DC's McDermott House - a new transitional housing shelter for veterans - Mr. McDermott was further honored to participate in today's important events.
John McDermott's rise to recording industry stardom has become legend: his chance discovery in the early 1990's transformed him from to newspaper circulation manager to international recording star. The last three years have been especially gratifying: millions in albums sales worldwide; participation in the phenomenal hit The Irish Tenors; and now, to this unique opportunity to honor America's veterans.
Mr. McDermott summarizes his commitment to veterans' causes: "We need to remember veterans outside of two days each year - our debt to them is so much greater than that."