HENRICO, Va. -- Here's a neighbor you many not know, who lives with his wife near Tuckahoe Elementary School in the West End.
Today, this local guy will be singing at the White House as part of the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Civil Rights Act. And he's turning 50 himself this week.
“It is a great honor for me” to be a part of celebrating “what has happened in this country since then,” says Sgt. Pablo Talamante of the Tuckahoe area of western Henrico.
Talamante has been to the White House to sing dozens of times. He has performed for five presidents as part of an elite Army unit.
He has sung for queens and soldiers who didn’t make it home. His base is Fort Myers, but his home is here.
“I love this city,” he says. It’s been great here.”
How all this happened is a testament to Talamante’s singing gift, his desire, some lucky breaks and a country he wholeheartedly believes is the land of opportunity.
Watch the video to see how it unfolded, and how beautifully this youthful 50-year-old can sing.
He believes the country has come closer together, has forgiven, and has come to celebrate its diversity since he’s been living here, in a nation he deeply loves.
