KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City's Union Station has been the scene of dramatic departures and reunions for soldiers and their families since the First World War.
It is estimated that 650,000 men and women in uniform passed through it during the two World Wars alone.
So it was a fitting place for a rare "outside the beltway" Midwest appearance by the United States Army Chorus, which more commonly performs for dignitaries and official events.
The 45-minute free performance in the Historic Grand Hall on Friday was so well attended that more chairs had to be hurriedly set up.
The program of patriotic music, which highlighted all branches of military service and their roles in America's conflicts, had the crowd on their feet.
The performance precedes a more formal affair at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. The black-tie event begins with a reception at 7 p.m. and a more lengthy concert at 8 p.m.
The "Celebration of International Friendship" welcomes international military officers who have come to Fort Leavenworth's Command and General Staff College. The event is open to the public.
