Honoring thru music
My family had a few WWII veterans and several more that were like family. One of those men was Preston “Pug” Harris, who was listed as killed in action on Nov. 22, 1944, a mere 8 days shy of his 24th birthday. His remains were never found … until a German construction crew uncovered a shallow grave. They quickly contacted the proper authorities and finally in March of this year … a funeral for “Pug” was held in Greenville, Texas. The Army chaplain that conducted the service, an immigrant, is in this country because people like Pug died to keep freedom alive. (More on Pug is here, here, and here.)
At the end of this post, there are some music related links. If you only go to one link … I believe the one for Cliff Soon’s song “If I Fall …” would be the one that is most appropriate for these times. He was “Born in Singapore, raised in Malaysia; Chinese by birth but American at heart” and has a great tribute in the form of a music video.
Earlier this year, I was at a seminar that had such speakers as Rudolph W. Giuliani and General Tommy Franks. Their speeches were very memorable indeed but one of the most dramatic moments came from a previous speaker. Krish Dhanam, born in India and now a very successful business man in America, asked for every man and woman who had ever served in the military in any way, shape, fashion, or form to stand … “So that this immigrant can thank you” for his being able to be here in America and be a success. If you ever get the chance to hear Krish speak … take it. From another Tx blogger:
Next, a Zigler protege named Krish Dhanam spoke on goal achievement. He also was very good. What I took from his presentation was this: he is from India, the world’s largest democracy, and he love, love, loves America. He has seen the other side of the fence and not only is the grass greener here, but, there is no grass there. Put that in your hash-pipes and smoke it lefties. America is great, just ask an immigrant.
Now on to the music — As a platform for ideas, morals, criticisms, and honors, music is a powerful aspect of our culture. Sometimes our music does a better job of honoring those who so greatly deserve it, than any other spoken words can.
Here are some highlights from just a few of our many patriotic songs:
O beautiful for heroes proved In liberating strife.
Who more than self the country loved
And mercy more than life!
America! America!
U.S. Air Force Anthem: Off We Go!
Here’s a toast to the host of those
Who love the vastness of the sky,
To a friend we send the message
Of his brother men who fly.
We drink to those who gave their all of old,
Then down we roar, to score the rainbow’s pot of gold.
A toast to the host of men we boast the US Air Force.
U.S. Marine Corps Hymn
From the Halls of Montezuma, To the Shores of Tripoli;
We fight our country’s battles, In the air, on land and sea;
First to fight for right and freedom
And to keep our honor clean;
We are proud to claim the title of United States Marine.
The U.S. Army Anthem: The Caissons Go Rolling Along
In the storm, in the night, Action left or action right,
See those Caissons go rolling along,
Limber front, limber rear,
Prepare to mount your cannoneer,
And those Caissons go rolling along.
U.S. Navy Hymn: Eternal Father, Strong to Save
O Trinity of love and power!
Our brethren shield in danger’s hour;
From rock and tempest, fire and foe,Protect them wheresoe’er they go;
Thus evermore shall rise to Thee
Glad hymns of praise from land and sea.
U.S. Coast Guard Anthem: Semper Paratus (Always Ready)
We’re always ready for the call, We place our trust in Thee.
Through howling gale and shot and shell, To win our victory.
“Semper Paratus” is our guide, Our pledge, our motto, too.
We’re “Always Ready,” do or die!
Aye! Coast Guard, we fight for you.
Ballad of the Green Berets Lyrics written by SSgt Barry Sadler
Fighting soldiers from the sky
Fearless men who jump and die
Men who mean just what they say
The brave men of the Green BeretSilver wings upon their chest, These are men, America’s best
One hundred men will test today,
But only three win the Green Beret
Music Lyrics: ( a very brief list, I know I am leaving a lot of great ones out)
Alan Jackson ~ Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)
Toby Keith ~ American Soldier, Courtesy of the Red, White, & Blue
Randy Travis ~ America Will Always Stand
Darryl Worley ~ Have You Forgotten
Clint Black ~ I RAQ AND ROLL
Roxie Dean ~ A Soldier’s Wife
Music Links:
Music Video by Cliff Soon ~ If I Fall …
John Wayne and his patriotic MP3’s
Patriotic Music to Honor Our Nation and Its Heroes
Patriotic & Inspirational Songs Of America
Memorial Day Music
Other music related news:
Anxiety and Memory: Their Effects on Cognition and Musical Performance
Music improves autobiographical memory Recall in alzheimer’s disease patients
Music has power
June 17th, 2005 at 9:19 pm
[…] e them. He and his eight brothers were all in WWII and only eight Harris boys came home. I talked about earlier about the youngest brother, “Pug” Harris, who was killed in action. […]