66 Songs About Soldiers and Veterans
Soldiers Put It All on the Line for Freedom
Chances are that you have a veteran or active military member in your social network. But have you stopped to truly listen to their story and reflect on what their contributions mean to your freedom?
Men and women in uniform have put it all on the line for their country, setting aside their personal lives, often at great expense to their families and themselves. How often do you express your gratitude for their sacrifices?
Recognize veterans' heroic contributions to preserving liberty and freedom with a custom playlist. Here's a long list of pop, rock, and country songs about military personnel. You don't have to wait until Veterans Day, Memorial Day, or Fourth of July to reflect on their heroism.
1. "For You" by Keith Urban
The soldier in this heartrending 2012 hit has a wife and an unborn child who wait for him at home. But in the heat of combat, with smoke, fire, and bullets flying, he doesn't think twice about taking a bullet for his fellow soldier. He knows this sacrifice is his duty and that others would do the same for him. That's the heroism of our men and women in uniform.
2. "American Soldier" by Toby Keith
Toby Keith drew fire from fans when he appeared at Donald Trump's pre-inauguration concert at the Lincoln Memorial and sang this 2003 country hit. It describes an American soldier—a family man, a hard worker, steady, brave, honorable, and good under pressure. In answering critics, the singer noted that he had appeared at the inauguration events of both George W. Bush and Barack Obama.
15 Ideas for Honoring Veterans on Veteran's Day and Beyond
Attend a Veteran's Day event.
| Write an open letter or poem about what veterans' sacrifices have meant to you and this nation. Send copies to the nearest military post or VA hospital.
| Treat a veteran to lunch or dinner.
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Donate your time, money, or goods to a veterans charity.
| Ask a veteran (relative, neighbor, coworker, friend) about their time in the service and truly listen. Thank them for their service.
| Educate children about what veterans have done for this country. Inform them about relatives, coaches, neighbors and family friends who are veterans.
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Organize a bulletin board at work or school displaying the names and photos of veterans, active duty and reservists.
| Loved ones and next of kin can order a free Presidential Memorial Certificate from the National Cemetary Administration signed by the current President (for honorably discharged deceased veterans).
| Extend a broad thank you to all veterans and active duty personnel on social media. Or do a social media shout out to specific people in your life who are veterans.
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Take a moment to share with your family and friends why veterans are important.
| Make a custom playlist for your favorite veteran, reservist, or active duty military member.
| Leave a flag or fresh flowers at a veteran's grave. Remove any debris and tend to the gravesite while you are there.
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Visit Arlington and other war cemetaries and/or war memorials and take in the gravity of veterans' sacrifice.
| Watch patriotic movies.
| Learn the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
|
3. "8th of November" by Big & Rich
This poignant 2005 country song tells the story of Niles Harris, a 19-year-old boy from Deadwood, South Dakota, who hugged his mother goodbye as he left home for the army to fight during the Vietnam War. Just a few months later, on November 8, 1965, he encountered an epic battle he would remember the rest of his life.
Forty-eight fellow soldiers died in combat that day, and Niles was left with shrapnel in his leg as a reminder of their sacrifice. Decades later, he still honors their service on the 8th of November by putting on a suit and tie.
In case you're wondering ... yes, Niles is indeed real.
4. "Wake Me Up When September Ends" by Green Day
In this haunting 2005 rock hit describing loss, the narrator is going through a difficult time and mourns his innocence. Although the song was written about the passing of Green Day lead lead singer's father, its video depicts a couple separate by the Iraq War.
5. "Warrior" by Kid Rock
The National Guard used this 2008 rock song by Kid Rock as a recruitment tool. It features a narrator who celebrates his status as a citizen soldier. He's ready to go when liberty calls because he understands that freedom isn't free.
Tell Us About the Special Veteran(s) in Your Life in the Comments Section Below
6. "Indestructible" by Disturbed
Meant to be a battle anthem to encourage American soldiers and pump them up as they prepare for combat, this 2008 hard rock song is enough to make anyone feel unassailable. It speaks of no hesitation, a sworn duty to protect, and the honor of returning home victorious.
7. "Didn't I" by Montgomery Gentry
The 2002 movie We Were Soldiers featured this moving country song on its soundtrack. The song describes a Vietnam era veteran who returns home from war only to face judgment and criticism instead of appreciation for his service.
Rhetorically, the veteran asks whether he burned and bled enough and endured enough physical and emotional pain to warrant a better homecoming. About 9,087,000 military personnel served on active duty during the Vietnam era (1964 to 1975). Many faced protests, indifference, and a dearth of resource assistance with reintegrating into American society after the war.
8. "'Til The Last Shot's Fired" by Trace Adkins
This country song from 2008 commemorates soldiers from the American Civil War to World War II to Vietnam. The nature of the conflict may have been different, but the horror of war is the same. The narrator urges us all to say a prayer for peace.
9. "Brothers" by Dean Brody
Brothers can be counted on, although they don't always express their emotions well verbally. That's the message behind this tender 2009 country song that shares memories from the narrator's childhood.
A young boy's older brother is leaving for the military, and at first the child preferred not to say goodbye, thinking that he could deny his brother's leaving away. At the last moment, the boy runs to his brother and offers to clean his room, give him his rookie Joe DiMaggio card, anything to prevent his departure.
Two years later, the soldier returns in a wheelchair and says that he's sorry that his younger sibling has to push him home. The younger brother replies, "This is what brothers are for."
10. "Fortunate Son" by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Recognized by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant," this seminal 1969 rock song is also one of Rolling Stone magazine's "500 Greatest Songs of All Time."
During the Vietnam era, "Fortunate Son" was an anti-war anthem that was used to express rebuke for people who supported war but didn't have to bear its burdens, either financially or by serving. About three-fourths of the military personnel who served in Vietnam were from lower middle/working class backgrounds.
11. "Citizen Soldier" by 3 Doors Down
This 2007 rock song pays tribute to the National Guard:
Hope and pray that you'll never need me,
But rest assured I will not let you down.
I'll walk beside you but you may not see me,
The strongest among you may not wear a crown.
It was used as a part of the National Guard's recruiting campaign and references the vital role that the Guard plays in both homeland security and national defense.
America's citizen soldiers may be activated to respond to natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and wildfires. They may also be deployed to help when peace is threatened by riots, civil unrest and terrorist events.
12. "The Pride" by Five Finger Death Punch
This high energy 2011 metal song conveys an American soldier's strength, pride, and unwavering readiness to defend, whatever the cost. In rapid succession, the song lists many iconic elements of American culture to represent all that a soldier protects when he or she serves our country. Our freedom, values and way of life hangs in the balance when troops are called to defend our country.
13. "Diamond Eyes (Boom-Lay Boom-Lay Boom)" by Shinedown
Written for the 2010 movie The Expendables, this rock song expresses the intensity of being on the front line of combat. With nothing to lose, a soldier operates on sheer adrenaline and a "fist first" mentality, thinking quickly in a brutal high-stakes battle.
14. "Letters From Home" by John Michael Montgomery
Sometimes simple things such as letters can do wonders to boost soldier morale. In this 2004 country song, a young soldier receives a letter from his mother about the details of everyday life back at home. He also gets a love letter from his fiance and a brief letter from his stoic dad that shares how proud he is of his son. Each helps to spur him on amidst the terrible uncertainty that is war.
15. "Hey Brother" by Avicci
This 2013 pop song expresses the devotion felt between siblings and others who still feel intensely connected when one of them is far away. Although separated by distance, they sense when the other is lonely or in danger:
Oh, if the sky comes falling down, for you
There's nothing in this world I wouldn't do.
16. "Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue (The Angry American)" by Toby Keith
After 9/11, this country song became a rousing anthem for the guys and gals in uniform. Full of bravado, the 2002 song features a narrator fondly recalling his war hero father. Then he launches into a promise of American vengeance for the sucker punch terrorist attack on 9/11:
Justice will be served
And the battle will rage
This big dog will fight
When you rattle his cage
And you’ll be sorry that you messed with
The U.S. of A.
`Cause we`ll put a boot in your a*s
It`s the American way.
17. "Some Gave All" by Billy Ray Cyrus
The narrator in this touching 1992 country hit recalls a friend who matured dramatically after his combat experiences. The friend remarked that when you think of your liberty, think of him as well as other veterans. The veteran explained to the narrator that "All gave some; some gave all."
18. "Heaven Was Needing a Hero" by Jo Dee Messina
In this 2010 country song, the sweetheart of a fallen soldier visits his grave. Although she always told him that he wouldn't be called home until it was his time, she justifies his untimely death as due to heaven's needing a hero.
19. "Letters from the Garden of Stone" by Everlast
A combat soldier sits by the moonlight readying himself for battle at daylight in this 2008 rock song. At first, he shows little emotion about what he has to do -- kill or be killed. He tries to push back thoughts of family members, however the more their memories begin to creep in, the more he questions whether he's doing the right thing fighting.
20. "The Other Little Soldier" by Josh Gracin
Feel the lump in your throat form as you listen to this country tune from 2004. It describes a small boy who plays dress up in his dad's military uniform. Even though he doesn't have the maturity to understand what his father is fighting for, the child is proud and wants to grow up just like his role model.
When Uncle Sam calls his dad to combat, sadly, his dad returns in a flag-draped casket. The little boy gives his father one last goodbye salute. This child represents the legion of military family members who also make sacrifices in wartime and in peace.
Even More Songs About Soldiers and Veterans
Song
| Artist
| Year Released
|
|---|---|---|
21. Travelin' Soldier
| Dixie Chicks
| 2002
|
22. Riding with Private Malone
| David Ball
| 2001
|
23. Goodnight Saigon
| Billy Joel
| 1982
|
24. I Want You to Live
| George Canyon
| 2007
|
25. If I Don't Make It Back
| Tracy Lawrence
| 2005
|
26. If You're Reading This
| Tim McGraw
| 2007
|
27. Arlington
| Trace Adkins
| 2005
|
28. Come Home Soon
| SHeDaisy
| 2004
|
29. 50,000 Names Carved in the Wall
| George Jones
| 2001
|
30. Belleau Wood
| Garth Brooks
| 1997
|
31. I Just Came Back (from a War)
| Darryl Worley
| 2006
|
32. Soldiers and Jesus
| James Otto
| 2010
|
33. I Drive Your Truck
| Lee Brice
| 2012
|
34. The Ballad of the Green Berets
| Staff Sgt. Barry Sadler
| 1966
|
35. Remember the Heroes
| Sammy Hagar
| 1982
|
36. Sam Stone
| John Prine
| 1971
|
37. Who You'd Be Today
| Kenny Chesney
| 2005
|
38. One Hell of an Amen
| Brantley Gilbert
| 2014
|
39. Fallen Soldier
| Nathan Fair
| 2013
|
40. Once I Was
| Tim Buckley
| 1967
|
41. Orange Crush
| R.E.M.
| 1988
|
42. I Was Only 19
| Redgum
| 1983
|
43. Still a Soldier
| Trace Adkins
| 2017
|
44. Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town
| Kenny Rogers and The First Edition
| 1969
|
45. War Is Hell (On the Homefront Too)
| T.G. Sheppard
| 1982
|
46. More Than a Name on a Wall
| The Statler Brothers
| 1989
|
47. Castle of Glass
| Linkin Park
| 2013
|
48. Wrong Side of Heaven
| Five Finger Death Punch
| 2013
|
49. Rooster
| Alice in Chains
| 1993
|
50. For Whom the Bell Tolls
| Metallica
| 1984
|
51. I Remember (It's Happening Again)
| Griffin House
| 2008
|
52. Camoflague
| Stan Ridgway
| 1986
|
53. Just a Dream
| Carrie Underwood
| 2008
|
54. 19
| Paul Hardcastle
| 1985
|
55. Soldier Boy
| The Shirelles
| 1962
|
56. Airborne
| Nina Lee
| 2017
|
57. Dress Blues
| Zac Brown Band
| 2015
|
58. People Back Home
| Florida Georgia Line
| 2012
|
59. If Not Me
| Craig Morgan
| 2013
|
60. In the Navy
| Village People
| 1979
|
61. Navy Blue
| Diane Renay
| 1963
|
62. Mother's Pride
| George Michael
| 1990
|
63. Walking on a This Line
| Huey Lewis
| 1984
|
64. Home of the Brave
| Toto
| 1988
|
65. In My Blood
| Black Stone Cherry
| 2011
|
66. Dear John
| Producers
| 1982
|
Locations with Names Associated with Soldiers and Veterans
Battle Ground, Indiana, USA - 
Battlefield, Missouri, USA - 
Brave, Pennsylvania, USA - 
Duty Township, Arkansas, USA - 
Honor, Michigan, USA - 
Merit, Texas, USA - 
Mission, Texas, USA - 
North Hero Township, Minnesota, USA - 
Soldier, Iowa, USA - 
Victory, New York, USA - © 2017 FlourishAnyway
Comments
- AUTHOR
John - Thanks for coming by and leaving a comment. Have a great weekend.
What a wonderful collection of songs honouring servicemen and women and the veterans. Thank you for sharing.
- AUTHOR
Old fat war vet from Wisconsin - Thank you for your esteemed service. What you did for our country is amazing. We appreciate you, as we continue to appreciate those who serve in uniform now.
Respect and pray for our troops, just a thought from an old fat war vet from Wisconsin.
- AUTHOR
JC Madison - Thank you for the song suggestions. I have added several of them. Have a great week!
Sgt McKenzie, apologies, I saw Billy Joel, Goodnight Saigon
Goodnight Saigon, Billy Joel
Walking On a Thin Line, Huey Lewis
Home of the Brave, Toto
Black Stone Cherry, In My Blood
John Wayne, An American Boy Grows Up
John Wayne, Why Are You Marching Soon
Producers, Dear John
You're welcome. Personally I prefer the Heidi Bruehl to the Freddy Quinn rendition of the song.
- AUTHOR
Bob - Thanks for the heads-up. I'll look up the song.
A touching article about some touching songs. There is a German song, "Hundert Mann und Ein Befehl", which uses the same tune as "The Ballad of the Green Beret". The lyrics are completely different. It is an anti-war song.
- AUTHOR
MP - Well said! We owe them all our deepest gratitude.
hey i thank all those who have served or fallen for this country the bravery and the courage which they stand to protected this country laying down there lives to have the freedom we have today if it wasnt for them we would never gotten the freedom today.
- AUTHOR
Dale Gagne - Thank you for your service to our country. Thank you also for taking the time to leave a comment and song suggestion. I've added it at #61. Have a fantastic weekend!
Navy Blue by Diane Renee
Navy Vet
- AUTHOR
Phoenix Sprecher - Thank you for this song suggestion. I've added it at #59. Have a wonderful weekend.
If not me- Craig Morgan
- AUTHOR
kk - Thanks for that suggestion! I have added it as #58. Have a great holiday season. I hope you are spending it with those you love.
People Back Home - Florida Georgia Line
- AUTHOR
anonymous - That is one sad song. I've added it as #57. We can never thank our soldiers and veterans enough for their service.
dress blues - zac brown band
- AUTHOR
Renee f Schnabel - That song was stunning. I've added it and hope that it gets the attention it merits. I see that it was just recently released. Wow!
Airborne written and sung by Nina Łëê as a tribute to her great grandfather who received a Purple Heart as a paratrooper in World War II. This could. Be an anthem for all soldiers as a tribute to their service
- AUTHOR
Catherine - The sheer reality that not only war but also an intentional nuclear catastrophe could happen amidst Trump's war of egos with other madmen like him make me shudder. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and perspective.
I am very afraid that Trump will bumble the U.S. into new military conflicts, and even, nuclear war. Consequently, all the Vietnam era antiwar songs are on a loop in my brain. Many of the songs on this playlist take the antiwar theme down to a personal level. P.S. "Brothers" made me cry.
- AUTHOR
I'm glad you enjoyed it so much.
Well there was a few songs in there that l my partner and her disabled and mentally daughter loved we were just wanting to have laughter,dance and a wonderful night. Thank you
- AUTHOR
James - Thanks for your comment. These songs are already on the list at 26, 33, and 22 respectively. Have a nice week!
if your reading this - Tim McGraw
I drive your truck - lee Brice
Riding with pvt Malone - David Ball
- AUTHOR
Shyron - Thank you for the suggestion. Adding it!
I have another one for you, Soldier Boy.
I do hope all is well with you.
Blessings my friend.
- AUTHOR
Ray - Thank you for that addition. It's #53 now.
Carrie Underwood Just a Dream
I thought you had "One Tin Soldier" on here. I love the song lyrics.
One tin soldier
Listen people to a story
That was written long ago,
'bout a kingdom on a mountain
And the valley folks below.
On the mountain was a treasure
Hidden deep beneath a stone,
And the valley people swore
They'd have it for their very own.
Go ahead and hate your neighbor,
Go ahead and cheat a friend.
Do it in the name of heaven,
You can justify it in the end.
There won't be any trumpets blowing,
Come the judgment day,
On the bloody morning after
One tin soldier rides away.
So the people of the valley
Sent a message up the hill,
Asking for the buried treasure
Tons of gold for which they'd kill.
Came the answer from the kingdom,
With our brothers we will share,
All the riches of the mountain,
All the treasure buried there.
- AUTHOR
Shyron - Thanks for your suggestion of "One Tin Soldier." I'll add it to the following playlist: https://spinditty.com/playlists/Pop-Rock-and-Count...
- AUTHOR
cheng liu - Thanks for the suggestions!
Great list, some hip hop song should be on the list, like Eminem.
For example, Like Toy Soldiers, Soldier, and Mosh
- AUTHOR
Ryan - Thanks for the suggestion. It's a sad situation that I hope doesn't happen much.
Great list. I think I would add Metallica's One. I am glad to see Alice in Chains Rooster on here. Love that song.
- AUTHOR
Johnny - Thanks to your family members for their service. I'm glad you shared their story.
My family has a long line of people who have been in the in 2013 my uncle Tommy Williams who had been a six time world kickboxing champion of the welter weight division in the 1980s died does he was a green beret staff sergeant in Vietnam so I'd like to thank u for that song about green berets and I'd like to thank all of our veterans I also have a brother in the army and sister in law in the air force
- AUTHOR
Yt - Thank you, kind person, for your sentiment. Our troops need our support in times of war as well as peace.
I Thank All Our Soldiers Everyday And God Bless All Of Them
- AUTHOR
Darcy - Thank you for the recommendation. I have added this song as #51. Thank a soldier or veteran this holiday weekend (or any day).
I remember (it's happening again), Griffin House
- AUTHOR
Paula - What a patriotic family you have! Thank you for sharing your thoughts tonight. The soldiers are definitely top of my mind with the action in Syria. Knowing that we have some troops who are in Syria makes me concerned for their safety. Have a good weekend.
This hub makes me think of all the people in my life who have served in the Military, especially who have spent time overseas during war time. Besides countless friends, people I grew up with & of course Class-mates (Viet Nam), my Dad was a U.S.Marine during WWII, and my son, also a U.S. Marine (Operation Iraqi Freedom).
IMHO, "we" can never do enough for our Military to show our respect & gratitude. Songs dedicated to them are certainly a special gesture & the specific dates during the year that are dedicated to honoring our Veterans~all very important & deserved.. I love the Veteran's Day Parade each year!
In going over your list, F.A. I recognize quite a few of these songs. I always enjoy the list of towns & cities you always include too!
Thanks for yet another wonderful Hub on SONGS! Peace, Paula
- AUTHOR
Catherine - I share your concern about Syria and all of those who are or will be in harm's way. Thanks for stopping by.
This is beautifully done, but it makes me too sad to think about war and death. it's bring teas to my mind. Especially today because I am thinking of Syria, the deaths of the Syrians, and maybe the American soldiers who will die if the U.S. gets involved in a war in Syria. I hope you can find some songs that sing about peace and brotherly love and do a play list about that.
- AUTHOR
Shyron - Girl, you're good at this. Thank you for the suggestions. I have added them. I recall T.G. Sheppard's song back in the day and always loved him. Then he just evaporated from country music, or so it seemed. And Kenny Rogers. Can you believe that he first sang this song when he was part of Kenny Rogers and The New Edition? Go to wikipedia to look up his photo. He was a good looking young man back in 1969! Thanks for the effort you invested in this. I now wake up with songs on the brain that need to go on certain playlists!
Flourish, I did not see two songs that would be great on this list.
War is Hell (on the Home Front too) -- TG Sheppard (#1 on Hot Country Billboard 1982)
Ruby, Don't take your love to town -- Kenny Rogers 2001
Blessings
- AUTHOR
Jo - That probably did keep your dad lower on the priority list to serve. Oftentimes, military service seems to "run in families." We are so grateful for those who serve and keep us all free. Thank you for stopping by even though the topic wasn't something you could identify with. Have a great weekend!
- AUTHOR
Genna - I like CCR's Fortunate Son, too, and although I'm typically not much for heavy metal songs, that Band of Brothers song is a good one. Thank you for reading!
Beautiful! This is one of my favorites. I've tried to pick one song I like best, but I can't. They are all too poignant and meaningful, although I will always love Credence's iconic Fortunate Son. Band of Brothers is probably one of the few heavy metal songs I really like. Well done.
I was born about a year after World War II started for the USA. The hope, I was always told, was that I and my two older siblings would help keep my father out of the war. It seemed to work. I've never had any close relatives in the military. Not my father, either of my grandfathers, brothers, children, or spouse. So it all seems very removed for me. Something from the movies and hard to identify with.
- AUTHOR
Gypsy Rose Lee - Thank you for commenting. I often don't realize there are so many songs in a topic area until I begin a playlist either! Have a wonderful week.
An interesting and most informative hub as always. I didn't realize there were so many songs about soldiers. Of course they do deserve it so it was of interest to find out there were so many. I was aware of the ones from the Vietnam era and of course The Ballad of the Green Berets.
- AUTHOR
Larry - Yes, I agree. The biggest travesty is sending them in harm's way when it's unnecessary. Thank you for stopping by.
Some wonderful tunes. I sure hate to see our troops mistreated, whether it's the people uneccasarily putting them in harms way or people not giving them the respect they deserve.
- AUTHOR
Suhail - Thank you for stopping by and commenting. I wish you a wonderful week and hope that you'll return with suggestions.
FlourishAnyway,
This is a great list and I have heard and still listen to many songs from this list.
There are many others by 'B' grade rockers that I know, but that's for some other day.
- AUTHOR
Shyron - Great to hear about the women, too!
I almost forgot, my aunt was a WAC she was a registered nurse for the Women's Army Corp.
I enlisted in the Women's Marines, but did not serve.
- AUTHOR
Linda - Yes, I agree. There is too much conflict in the world. It would be a much better world if we simply had peace. Thank you for your thoughts.
I think it's very sad that humans need a military to fight people from other countries, but the reality is that we do. Thank you for creating this article, Flourish. Military personnel and veterans are brave people that deserve our respect.
- AUTHOR
Heidi - You're right, lots of country. I'm so jealous you got to see 3 Doors Down in concert. Chicago gets all the great acts performing there. Thanks for stopping by and hope your weekend is a grand one!
Another great list! Lots of country. Got to see 3 Doors Down last year. Great choice! Hope you've had a great week. Have a lovely weekend ahead!
- AUTHOR
Bill - We have to widen your circle of music, buddy! Glad one came to mind. Hope others were familiar. Have a fantastic weekend..
- AUTHOR
Linda - You must be tremendously proud of them all. Please let them know that we all appreciate what they have done for their country. We also thank your family for the sacrifices made in support of their service.
- AUTHOR
Nell - Thank you for stopping by to share a bit about your family service members. We salute their service!
- AUTHOR
Coffeequeeen - Thank you for your kind encouragement! I've never heard Dolly's version. Going to go find it on YouTube. She has such a lovely voice.
I'm glad that you included Sgt Barry Sadler's The Ballard of the Green Beret. I like that song a lot. Dolly Parton's version is nice too.
Brilliant list Flourish Green Day and the wonderful Avicci! and of course all the others too. My family were in the Airforce and Army so this is pretty poignant stuff, wonderful!
Flourish - Thank you for a beautiful tribute to our military, past and present. My husband is a Vietnam-era veteran and I have two dear great nephews who are presently serving--one is in the air national guard and the other in in special ops. My prayers begin each time he has to leave and don't cease until he is safely back home to his wife and two little sons.
This is a beautiful collection of songs.
By the way, there is also a town in Washington (Clark County) named Battle Ground.
- AUTHOR
John - I had never heard of the song but it made quite an impression. I was especially touched by the way it describes PTSD symptoms all those years later. Thanks for broadening our horizons. I've added the song at #42. Have a wonderful weekend.
- AUTHOR
Shyron - What a family! I am so impressed that you have traced them and their service back so far! My father is also a history and geneaology buff. Taps has to be the saddest, loneliest song not only for what it represents but for the way that it is played. There is a monument near my home commemorating the place on a Civil War battlefield where it was allegedly written. I got married at the site and it was a little funny. We had to have someone standing next to the monument to make sure a tourist didn't push the button to play (loudly!) "Taps" during our wedding ceremony. It worked but apparently it's happened before when people didn't plan so well.
Thank you for your rich and detailed comment. So interesting!
- AUTHOR
stevarino - Thank you for the addition! I can always count on you to chip in!
- AUTHOR
MsDora - Thank you for your kind words. We can only hope they are only send in harm's way when absolutely needed.
- AUTHOR
Kaili Billson - Yes, haunting! Wow. Added as #40, and thank you so much for the suggestion! I appreciate your contribution.
- AUTHOR
Kyriaki - Fascinating to understand other countries' views of their militaries. I'm so happy we've gone from the Vietnam era when some of our dear soldiers were spat upon when returning home to being thanked (regardless of what individual citizens feel about the particular conflict). Glad I helped you find that song! Have a lovely weekend!
Great list as always!
Can I add one? How about "Once I Was" by Tim Buckley. It is a haunting song and was on the "Coming Home" soundtrack.
"Orange Crush" - REM.
Thanks for yet another entertaining hub!
"All gave some; some gave all." You revive our respect and appreciation for our brave soldiers. This playlist doubles as a national tribute to all who ever served. Great work!
This is beautiful! My family in the Military.
G.G.G.G. grandfather John Thompson died 1755 fighting w/George Washington and named his son George Washington Thompson.
G.G.G. grandfather George Washington Thompson Sr. war of 1812 (son wed dau of James Alexander)
G.G.G. grandfather James Alexander. War of 1812 (dau wed son of GW Thompson Sr.)
G.G. grandfather George Washington Thompson Jr. Civil of 1861-1865
Many Uncles in Korean War
My father and Dad (step father) WWII
Both brothers injured in Vietnam
~ ~ ~ ~
The most famous military song of all time, its tune played daily on Military bases.
Other stories of the origin of Taps exist. A popular, yet false, one is that of a Northern boy who was killed fighting for the south. His father, Robert Ellicombe, a Captain in the Union Army, came upon his son’s body on the battlefield and found the notes to Taps in a pocket of the dead boy’s Confederate uniform. He had the notes sounded at the boy’s funeral. There is no evidence to back up the story or the existence of a Captain Ellicombe.
There are no official words to the music, but below are some of the more popular verses.
Day is done, Gone the sun,
From the lake, From the hill,
From the sky.
All is well, Safely rest,
God is nigh.
Thanks and praise, For our days,
’Neath the sun, ’Neath the stars,
’Neath the sky,
As we go, This we know,
God is nigh.
Fades the light; And afar
Goeth day, And the stars
Shineth bright,
Fare thee well; Day has gone,
Night is on.
Go to sleep, Peaceful sleep,
May the Soldier or Sailor,
God keep.
On the land or the deep,
Safe in sleep.
Love, good night, Must thou go,
When the day, And the night
Need thee so?
All is well. Speedeth all
To their rest
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Well, at least this time I could think of one...and it was #2 on the list, so I'm improving and back in the game. :)
Flourish, this is a very worthy list of songs dedicated to soldiers and veterans everywhere. One song that always springs to my mind is a song by Australian group Redgum called "I Was Only 19". Maybe you'd like to check it out.
Even though we -here in Greece- have an entirely different perspective on the army's contribution to society, I really enjoyed this playlist you put together, Flourish!
In fact, you helped me track down a song I've been looking for a long time now: "Hey, Brother" by Avicii.
Thank you so much for this list! Sharing right now...
PS: I hope your gluten-intolerance tests came out negative. Fingers crossed!
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