Local area residents and participants from around the U.S. met at the Hilton Hotel in Crystal City to rehearse for the Congressional Veterans and Armed Forces Appreciation Concert. With a theme of “Healing for the Nations,” the performance was held at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception this past Wednesday.  TV personality Bill Kurtis and Miss America 2000, Heather French Henry, co-hosted this event. Dr. Victor Wahby, PhD., M.D., founder of the Veterans Administration National Medical Chorale & Symphony Orchestra conducted the group in performances of Beethoven’s Hymn to Joy, First Movement of The Fifth Symphony; Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture and the Battle Hymn of the Republic. The grand finale was in memory of Congressman Tom Lantos with an arrangement of Let There Be Peace on Earth.  During the performance special narrations were provided by actor Michael York, Craig Duehring and Stephanie Tubbs Jones. His Excellency Archbishop Pietro Sambi, Papal Nuncio to the United States, provided a presentation titled “Wings of Healing,” The performance was videotaped for future broadcast on WETA.