Anthony Kearns Performed At The 2018 Veterans Of All Nations Gala

World-famed tenor Anthony Kearns, a member of the double-platinum, PBS super-group, The Irish Tenors, delivered an incredible performance, tailored to inspire the leaders, members, and guests of the Veterans of All Nations Gala on Sunday, November 11, 2018, it was officially announced.

Anthony Kearns, known for his extraordinary vocal talent, sang at this uniting event, organized by The Academy of United States Veterans (AUSV) - an organization that commits itself to serve in close liaison with different communities to achieve impactful changes for veterans across the globe.

The evening featured the cast of NBC's new series The Village - including actors Warren Christie, Lorraine Toussaint, Daren Kagasoff, Dominci Chianese and others - followed by an exclusive world premiere of the first episode of The Village in the Oriental Ballroom of the historical Mandarin Hotel in the heart of Washington DC. Mr. Kearns sang The National Anthem and performed during the official program. Among other songs, he dedicated "Amazing Grace" to those who died in battle. Official representatives of the U.S. Armed Forces, NATO Ambassadors, Defense Attaches, and officials from NATO countries attended the memorable event.

The AUSV prides itself in hosting awards ceremonies, premieres, and "meet & greets" to create a sense of unity and involvement among the veteran community. It provides high-level social support by including international celebrities, such as Tom Cruise, Jake Gyllenhaal, Rebecca Ferguson, CNN's Jake Tapper and many others, in community experiences for veterans surviving post- combat existence. The events hosted by the Academy have captured immense success in entrepreneurship, academia, leadership and community service within affected veterans' lives.

"We were honored to have the sensational Anthony Kearns provide a special performance for our guests at our celebration of international heroes, particularly on the eve of Veterans Day," said Assal Ravandi, the founder and CEO of AUSVA. A former U.S. Army intelligence analyst and language instructor, Ravandi trained as a combat-qualified linguist and cultural affairs adviser and served for in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom.

Mr. Kearns, whose philanthropic work consists of strong support of U.S. military veterans and their families, said he was looking forward to celebrating the unity of veterans worldwide.

"I was pleased to be a part of this Veterans Day celebration that recognizes the huge sacrifices made by America's service men and women, and their allies across the globe," he said.

Now living in the U.S., Kearns frequently performs at major sporting events, for high-level charity benefits, in operas, and with the finest symphony orchestras in the world. He has had the honor to sing for four U.S. Presidents, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Medal of Honor recipients, and at the Pre-Mass concert in Philadelphia for Pope Francis. He opened the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C. - the largest in the nation -- before a national television audience -- and headlined the Memorial Day Concert on PBS.

The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes, an organization that commits itself to serving wounded veterans from the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, was instrumental in Mr. Kearns' participation at the Gala, "due in large measure to Mr. Kearns' steadfast support of our Nation's Veterans," states David Walker, President and CEO of the Coalition.

The mission of this highly-rated charity is to direct financial support to wounded veterans when they return stateside and must wait weeks or months until their benefits are adjudicated. In the meantime, they must pay the rent and put food on the table. The Coalition helps them bridge this gap. It manages programs to help veterans find viable careers in the private sector, cope with the extended impact of post-traumatic stress and meet with potential employers who are eager to hire veterans.

"On this Veterans Day, it is fitting that all of us should acknowledge the debt we owe to the people who serve in uniform, and make that consciousness part of our daily lives. It is all well and good to stand in their honor at ball games or salute veterans in parades, but there is a critical need, on a fundamental level, to recognize that our basic freedoms are daily won by their courage and sacrifice, and to convey that recognition to our children. It is the least that we can do," said Mr. Walker, who has presented awards on behalf of AUSV in the past. Mr. Walker gave remarks as a key speaker at the event along with other honorable attendees, such as the Emmy-nominated movie actor, Jack Scalia, who served as host.

Mr. Kearns' appearance was arranged by Kirsten Fedewa & Associates, L.L.C.

For additional information on the Veterans Gala and on how to become AUSV's member and support veterans' mental, physical and emotional health, visit the website.

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