Singing the national anthem in public is big job for anybody.
More so if you are a nine-year-old entrusted to sing the anthem at a ceremony for fallen U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) agents.
Two marine vessels were renamed today in Sault Michigan in dedication to Senior Patrol Agents Jesus De La Ossa and Thomas J. Williams, who died in the line of duty.
The pair died in a head-on crash October 20, 1998 when returning to San Diego after successfully completing an instructor course for CBP.
Nine-year-old Allison Waybrandt, who will be attending fourth grade at Pickford Public School this fall, was entrusted to sing the U.S. national anthem at the solemn event.
”It makes me feel good because this is such an important event because we are honouring these people who died,” she said.
Many agents in attendance thanked her for the stirring rendition of the anthem.
"It's very special for me," said Waybrandt, who hopes to continue singing as a career.
The two Riverine Class SAFE boats were renamed during a ceremony at Brady Park, near the Soo Locks.
Williams’ wife and daughter were on-hand for the dedication — and boarded the vessel named after him — for a short tour of the boat's patrol area.
Sergeant Michael Fenchak, detachment commander for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Sault, Ontario, attended the dedication in support of the cross-border partner agency.
“I think it is important to support our international partners. We want to show our support for their dedication ceremonies, they reciprocate all the time,” said Fenchak.
Attending events such as this allow the agencies to maintain relationships.
“It keeps the lines of communication open and I think that makes us more effective at the border on both sides,” he said.
(PHOTO: A Customs and Border Protection officer thanks nine-year-old Allison Waybrandt after she sang the U/S/ national anthem during the dedication of two U.S. Customs and Border Protection vessels on August 7, 2015 in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Kenneth Armstrong/SooToday)