Adjutant Barney Schoenfeld of Campbell Richmond Post 63 announced that Kristina Austin Scarcelli, singer / songwriter / recording artist and a former Mrs. Michigan (2006) will sing at the American Legion’s annual Memorial Day Service at Lakeview Cemetery this year. Kristina is a sixth-generation Michigander and lifelong resident of southeastern Michigan. An avid history buff since childhood, she is the descendant of two Union Civil War soldiers. Her Great Great Grandfather, Abner Delos Austin, was a private with the 24th Michigan Volunteer Infantry and was wounded at Gettysburg at the age of 17. Her Great Great Grand Uncle, Charles W. Austin, served in the 5th Michigan Cavalry, was wounded twice and was a prisoner in the infamous Andersonville prison, all before his 20th birthday.
Kristina became inspired to record a CD of Civil War music after visiting Gettysburg for the first time during the 145th anniversary of the battle in July of 2008. ‘Tracing my ancestors? footsteps across that battlefield was a profound experience. It is heartbreaking to try and imagine the horrors they must have witnessed. The contribution that those boys made to our country is tremendously significant.?
In addition to Ms. Scarcelli’s performance, the Clarkston High School Band will accompany the American Legion in its march from downtown Clarkston at 10:00 am to the cemetery. Participants in the service at the cemetery will include the American Legion, the Sons of the American Legion, the Legion Auxiliary, members of Cub Scout Pack 314, the Clarkston Choral Group, and members of our Armed Forces. Due to changes in our program, the names of our deceased Veterans will no longer be read at this program. The general public is invited to join the American Legion in paying tribute to the deceased Veterans of all wars and branches of service on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30th.