By Sol de Maria Rodriguez
The stories of military families –in particular, the wives of service members –have remained largely unexplored territory on the opera stage. That is why Cincinnati Opera’s 2023 production of the moving new work, The Knock, holds such significance—it sheds new and important light on the sacrifices made by the families of those who serve.
In a show of compassion and collaboration, DAV (Disabled American Veterans), a Cincinnati-based nonprofit organization serving America’s veterans, has offered significant support for Cincinnati Opera’s production of The Knock. As we celebrate this partnership, we’re honored to highlight the profound work carried out by DAV.
Volunteer driver John Ang stands with Air Force veteran Christina Messina after dropping her off for her medical appointment at the Nashville Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee.
A service organization with more than one million members, DAV has dedicated itself to empowering veterans for more than 103 years, helping them to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity.
They offer free services to veterans and their families, ensuring they can access the full range of benefits available to them. They also fight for the interests of America’s injured heroes on Capitol Hill, provide employment resources to veterans and their families, and educate the public about the great sacrifices and needs of veterans transitioning back to civilian life.
Over the years, DAV has:
Provided more than 19 million rides to medical appointments
Helped submit more than 12 million claims for benefits
Assisted with more than 168,000 job offers for veterans
“I continuously reflect on my brothers and sisters who never made it home,” said Al Silva, DAV member and former infantryman. “One of the reasons that I joined DAV was to maintain a connection with others who served. I also found the VA benefits claims process difficult to navigate. I needed DAV’s help.”
National Commander Joe Parsetich distributed hot meals at the annual Homeless Stand Down Event at DAV National Headquarters
DAV has deep historical ties to Cincinnati. DAV’s founder, Judge Robert Marx, was a Cincinnatian and World War I veteran wounded in the final battle. Upon his return, he became a judge in the city and felt deep compassion for fellow veterans who received little help from the government. It was in Cincinnati's Memorial Hall that DAV held its first national meeting in 1920. Judge Marx was also a passionate patron of the arts. In fact, Cincinnati’s Playhouse in the Park, until its remodel last year, was the “Robert Marx Theatre” as a result of a donation in his honor when it was constructed. In addition, the law library at the University of Cincinnati and the athletics complex at Walnut Hills High School bear his name.
As part of the partnership between Cincinnati Opera and DAV, Cincinnati Opera will host local veterans and DAV guests at a special rehearsal of The Knock to provide them with an exclusive preview in advance of the opera’s world stage premiere. Further, DAV ambassadors will participate in post-performance talkbacks with The Knock audiences to share their unique perspectives on military life.
This inspiring collaboration serves as a testament to the power of music and the profound impact that organizations can have when they come together for a common cause. It grants DAV the opportunity to be part of a meaningful production that shares stories influenced by real-life events. Simultaneously, it allows Cincinnati Opera the opportunity to work with a respected service organization that has improved the lives of thousands of veterans, whose stories The Knock seeks to represent.
For more information about DAV and their initiatives, please visit dav.org or follow DAV on social media.