A Vietnam Vet and the National Anthem
The gentleman was walking toward the building as I was leaving. I spotted his black cap that had the words "Vietnam Veteran" and a collection of medals pinned to the front. He saw my cap of medals, and we stopped to shake hands. I extended my right hand, but he extended his left. It was an awkward handshake and he said, "Sorry, this one got [expletive] up," while removing a mangled right hand from his pocket. I asked, "the war?" "Yeah," he answered, then pointed to the Purple Heart pin on his hat. He told me some of the places he served in Southeast Asia during two tours. We traded a few jokes and light hearted stories about our service, and then he told me how it did his heart good to see how well our troops are treated now when they return home. He said he didn't get a very pleasant reception. The protestors mocked him, and as an African American returning home to Alabama, he got a bonus round of abuse in Birmingham. After a few more minutes of chat, we both had to be on our way. I shook his left hand, welcomed him home, and then rendered a salute there in the parking lot. He seemed surprised, then his eyes moistened as he returned my salute with the injured hand.
Folks, watch this amazing video of the Voices of Liberty singing our National Anthem. So many have given so much. Freedom is not just a gift. It is a responsibility. The battles we engage are more important than ever. The distinctions we draw even amongst ourselves are relevant. But never lose sight of what we are trying to save.
On a personal note, I learned this week that once I kick over, I will be eligible for burial at Arlington. I can think of no better place to be laid to rest than with my brothers and sisters in arms. They are the reason I can't seem to get through this video with dry eyes. I think you will enjoy the song.
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Jun '10
Re: A Vietnam Vet and the National Anthem
Dave, my heartfelt thanks to you, and to all here and yon who have served and sacrificed for our nation with faithfulness and honor.
My family and I never fail to catch Voices of Liberty when we venture to the American Pavilion at Disney-Epcot. I cannot make it through much of anything they sing with dry eyes, in particular the Battle Hymn and Golden Dream.
Thank you for lifting my spirits this evening. The Spirit of America is very much alive. God bless.
May '10
Re: A Vietnam Vet and the National Anthem
Beautiful dynamics and tonality! We live in a truly unique country founded on the concept of unprecedented freedoms. We Americans are blessed.
Re: A Vietnam Vet and the National Anthem
Jim Chase: Dave, my heartfelt thanks to you, and to all here and yon who have served and sacrificed for our nation with faithfulness and honor.
My family and I never fail to catch Voices of Liberty when we venture to the American Pavilion at Disney-Epcot. I cannot make it through much of anything they sing with dry eyes, in particular the Battle Hymn and Golden Dream.
Thank you for lifting my spirits this evening. The Spirit of America is very much alive. God bless. · Aug 7 at 6:39pm
Jim, I don't know if you were aware of this, but the Voices of Liberty were once called the Regeneration. They did mainly gospel music, and their album "Hymns In Velvet" was all acapella, producing goosebumps on top of goosebumps. Later they moved to Orlando. I saw them in concert many years ago when they used the older name. Incredible musicians. It's good to re-focus from time to time, and this video certainly helps.
Jun '10
Re: A Vietnam Vet and the National Anthem
Another patriotic gem:
Ray Charles - America The Beautiful
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsbbMSbz1qc
Jun '10
Re: A Vietnam Vet and the National Anthem
I have to throw this one in too, from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, because they're the best choir in America, hands down:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwupOuivuqA
Jun '10
Re: A Vietnam Vet and the National Anthem
Thanks for the video, Dave, and thank you also for your service. I am loathe to disturb the beauty and solemnity of a hymn to make a political point, but I'm going to give way anyway to impulse. I hope my insight is worthy.
I was ruminating on what I might do if elected president, when I suddenly recognized a flaw in my character. I don't have the capacity for suffering that is characteristic of a good president. George Washington was a noble spirit who knew suffering both physical and spiritual. Lincoln suffered mightily under the weight of his burden. Ike suffered knowing he was sending thousands to their deaths. Even LBJ suffered, I think to the point where it eventually killed him. Reagan's blithe spirit always shined even in the face of adversity, but I'm sure he suffered. George W. Bush suffered at the sight of each and every casket returning from the Middle East. But the current guy in the White House seems to lack any real empathy. He suffers for no one, certainly not for the military.
Not trying to score cheap points here. Just a thought.
May '10
Re: A Vietnam Vet and the National Anthem
I'd like to thank you for your service, too, and thank you for this wonderful post.
Since we're sharing music, I have to share a link, too. Unfortunately the sound quality isn't great; unless you happen to catch him singing the song live, though, this is as good as it will get.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sy9eqEx_UQ
That's Jake Shroeder from Denver's Opie Gone Bad. If you've been to an Avs home game, you've probably heard him sing and it's beautiful.
The first time I heard him sing it was at a concert during a street fair in downtown Denver shortly after 9/11. He stood in front of a crowd of fans expecting to hear another of Opie's upbeat songs and belted out the Anthem. I'd seen them a few times and it is not something the band did before then. Not a big political statement, but a very meaningful one for me.
His voice may not be to everyone's liking, but there is something about the honesty and lack of artifice that strikes me every time every time I hear him sing it.
May '10
Re: A Vietnam Vet and the National Anthem
David, Thanks for this reminder of the physical, and emotional price many have paid for the liberty we have enjoyed in the USA. Also thanks to the military, past and present, for their service and sacrifice that maintains our liberty today.
Now civilians must do their part and be willing to pay a price for their part protecting that very freedom.
The price a civilian must pay is to leave our everyday comfort zone and work [contribute to and work for candidates who share a real love for liberty] with steadfast purpose.
We must rid the country of the socialist/communist officeholders and bureaucrats who like the Formosan termite are quickly eating away at the individual liberties Americans take for granted.
BTW, this section - What do I do to get rid of Formosan termites? - in the link above speaks succinctly to what must be done - of course using only peaceful, lawful and non-violent actions: