As each year passes, we grow further and further away from the horrific events of World War II.
According to the National WWII Museum, the US Department of Affairs claims that only 558,000 of the 16 million Americans who served in WWII are still alive today.
TEDEd describes WWII as โone of the definitive events of the 20th century, if not all of human historyโ, and we owe it to our veterans to remember everything they went through for the rights and freedoms that we have today.
Now, a childrenโs choir from northern Utah has honored WWII vets and survivors with a heart-wrenchingly beautiful performance of Steve Schwartzโs โWhen You Believeโ.
Originally written for DreamWorks Animationโs 1998 Prince of Egypt movie, โWhen You Believeโ has been covered by various artists including Candice Glover, an American Idol contestant, and Celtic Woman, an all-female, Irish ensemble. But thereโs no denying that the One Voice Childrenโs Choirโs version is the most meaningful.
Filmed on location on Omaha Beach and the Brittany American Cemetery and Memorial in Normandy, France, the childrenโs performance is dedicated to all veterans and individuals persecuted during WWII.
A video of the inspiring performance, which was uploaded to YouTube on July 6th, 2017, has already garnered over 1 million views. It begins by showcasing the beach and cemetery while three children violinists play in the background.
After about 40 seconds, the scene shifts to an angelic-looking girl with brown hair, walking barefoot on the beach and singing the first verse of the inspiring song:
โMany nights we prayed with no proof anyone could hear; in our hearts, a hope for a song we barely understood.โ
She is then joined by a handsome young man, who continues the song, singing:
โNow we are not afraid, although we know thereโs much to fear. We were moving mountains long before we knew we could.โ
As the chorus of the song kicks in, the complete choir is revealed, singing the words with an innocence only a childโs voice can convey.
They sing, โWho knows what miracles you can achieve; when you believe somehow you will. You will when you believe.โ
The songโs meaningful lyrics coupled with the childrenโs angelic voices and the vast emptiness of Omaha Beach make for a powerful viewing experience.
After singing the song in English, the group then moves on to Hebrew and French.
The entire video is mesmerizing and powerfully moving, definitely acting as a reminder of the struggles and hope experienced by those who lived through WWII.
As mentioned, people are in awe of this stunning performanceโ but the experience was meaningful for many of the mini vocalists themselves, as well.
They write:
Itโs so amazing to see todayโs youth honoring our veterans in such a unique and beautiful way.
Watch the full performance below, and donโt forget to check out the One Voice Childrenโs Choir Youtube channel for more stunning performances!
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