On Thursday, February 28, Hazak conducted a unique event. Hazak Chair Toby Altman introduced Dudley Schwartz and Harvey T. Kaplan who conducted a series of discussions and sing-a-long recognizing our many Veterans, historical perspectives, and music. The program was conducted in recognition of the 100th Anniversary of Armistice Day at the end of World War I – which later became know as Veterans Day. Following an introduction with a few patriotic melodies played on an old phonograph at 33 rpm, Dudley led the group in singing some classic songs of the World Wars from special song sheets assembled by Dudley (such as It’s a Long Way to Tipperary and ‘Til We Meet Again). Harvey spoke about serving “Over There” and shared some interesting incidents he recalled as a Jewish officer in the Army. Dudley told a few of his Air Force stories too. The program also included singing to the music of some of the famous “big band sounds” of the World War II era (e.g., Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree, ‘Til We Meet Again). Harvey displayed and commented on his use in the Army of a number of prayer books and other printed material of special Jewish interest. The event ended with the group singing military anthems.
