COEUR d'ALENE - When the Northwest Sacred Music Chorale began in 2001, the very first song its members performed was "America the Beautiful."

"We're keeping that momentum going, that we believe in sacred music and we also believe in patriotic music," said artistic director and conductor Gaynell Coppess of Hayden. "It exemplifies the American dream."

The Ensemble of the Chorale will be presenting "An American Tribute" Oct. 18 and 19 in honor of America's veterans and active military. Four veterans presently sing in the Ensemble and Coppess said she is hoping many more will be present for the concert.

"It's not meant to be a big political statement other than we are so proud of these men and women who keep risking their lives to protect this country," she said. "How many people have the fortitude to actually even volunteer for the military? We should be honoring them every step of the way."

The concert will feature such star-spangled numbers as, "God Bless America," "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy," "Sentimental Journey," "Chattanooga Choo Choo" and many more. Singers will start out with regular black formal attire and then will change into specially made red, white and blue ensemble attire.

The show is free, however, a free-will offering will be presented and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project, a nonprofit organization that works to empower injured military/veterans and their families.

"I feel like they're so current with the needs of these men and women that are coming back home from the Middle East and Afghanistan," Coppess said. "I feel like they're trying to reach out to the families."

"An American Tribute" will be performed at 7 p.m. Oct. 18 and 3 p.m. Oct. 19 in the First Presbyterian Church, 521 E. Lakeside Ave. in Coeur d'Alene.

Info: www.nwsmc.org