Photo Courtesy of The U.S. Army
Veterans Day is a day that the United States of America has set aside to honor the men and women that served honorably in the Armed Forces of our great Country. To this country of citizen soldiers, we take the time to remember our grandfathers and grandmothers, mothers and fathers, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins and many many good friends, and honor those who put on the uniform of our country and answered the call of duty.
Following are songs done by each of the bands or choruses that represent each of our services.
The refrain from the song Eternal Father, Strong to Save – “Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee, for those in peril on the sea!,” is the refrain from the U.S. Navy hymn. Singing it are the Sea Chanters of the US Naval Band.
Next are the few, the proud, the famed Marine Corps band playing Stars and Stripes Forever the national march of the United States, written by John Phillip Sousa.
The United States Army is the oldest established branch of the U.S. Military, and the U.S. Army Chorus is captured here while singing the Battle Hymn of the Republic at a White House reception to honor the visiting Pope. “This We’ll Defend”
The youngest branch of the U.S. Military defends America from the skies, and is the United States Air Force. The U.S. Air Force Band performs Going Home, and is taken from the New World Symphony composed by Anton Dvorak.
The United States Coast Guard is one of the most hidden of national treasures. It was formed in 1790 and has defended America’s shores, and rescued its citizens, ever since. Here is the U.S. Coast Guard Hymn, which is also its motto “Semper Paratus” or “Always Ready.”
This simple bugle tune has been said to bring big strong men to tears. Its meaning to veterans all over the United States is beyond definition. Here to close this article is Taps. I’m sorry for the low sound on this, but I wanted you to hear the version with the double trumpet echo.
Music moves your life. Listen to it, feel it, sing it, dance to it, enjoy it and remember “how can you ever understand the music your children listen to, if you don’t listen to it yourself.”
See ya – Ron
