Feet were tapping, hands were clapping and the audience enjoyed a musical salute that paid tribute to local heroes last week at Lindbergh Schools’ third annual Patriotic Concert for the BackStoppers.

A total of $6,805 was raised for the BackStoppers, a non-profit organization that assists families of police officers, firefighters and EMTs.

Red, white and blue was the theme for the night as the Crestwood Kids led off the evening with a salute to the flag and the Lindbergh High School Flyerettes presented a patriotic pompon routine, according to a news release.

A salute to the armed forces by the Spirit of St. Louis Marching Band brought veterans to their feet amid thundering applause.

Entertainment featured patriotic tunes, moving songs and tributes by the Lindbergh High School Strolling Strings and A Cappella Choir as well as the St. Louis City Sheriff’s Office Color Guard, the St. Louis County Police Pipes and Drum Corps, the Kennerly Character Choir and soloists Detective Andrea Sanderson, Officer Patrick Nigh and Donna Carter, “the other Andrews’ sister.”

This was a special year for the BackStoppers, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and Lindbergh Schools, which is celebrating 60 years of educating students.

“For our two organizations, this marks 11 decades of serving the community,” Lindbergh Superintendent Jim Simpson stated in a news release. “Since it was started in 1959, the BackStoppers have assisted 119 families. This year alone, they have added five new families, as five heroes have fallen in the line of duty. Their assistance provides ongoing support for 48 minor children. In the spirit of giving, we, at Lindbergh, are proud to assist them in helping these families.”

A special tribute was given at the concert to Sperreng Middle School Resource Officer Michael Kaufman, who was named the 2009 Missouri School Resource Officer of the Year. The money collected at the concert will be donated to the BackStoppers in recognition of Officer Kaufman’s service to Lindbergh and the community.