In honor of Memorial Day

Youtube ^ | 5/25/10 | Karmann Powell/John McCrae

[stansblugrassgrl]

Hi. I've been a lurker for many, many years. Free Republic is often my source of news, insight, comfort, and laughs. I'm a singer/songwriter and I set the poem, In Flanders Fields, to music. I made a video of the song, along with my friend John "Whiteboy" Walden, on harmonica.

There are many versions of this poem on youtube. What I did differently was make the poem into a song that others could sing, too. I knew those on Free Republic would appreciate the effort.

The line, "to you from failing hands we throw the torch be yours to hold it high" touched me deeply. We are, as a nation, dropping the torch. Dishonoring those who died to keep us free. Free is never free. Someone always pays the costs.

This may not be the right place to post this. If not, my apologies. That being said, I want to thank those on Free Republic for supporting Arizona. For the first time in my adult life, I am proud of my state (that's my Michelle Obama imitation). God bless Arizona and America!!

[SandRat]

Good Job.

Congratulations on breaking you Lurker Rating.

God Love Arizona.

[Matchett-PI]

Here’s a link for your thread.

This is a VERY special video

http://vimeo.com/5645171

VJ Day, Honolulu Hawaii, August 14, 1945

“65 Years Ago my Dad shot this film along Kalakaua Ave. in Waikiki capturing spontaneous celebrations that broke out upon first hearing news of the Japanese surrender. Kodachrome 16mm film..” [in original color]

[stansblugrassgrl]

Thank you, SandRat. Should have done it years ago. I’m not real big on self promotion. There is a sense of urgency about this video that prompted me to break my lurker status.

[SandRat]

PING

[ConorMacNessa]

Beautiful!

Lamh Foistenach Abu!

[BIGLOOK]

Thank you for the dignified tribute and welcome aboard.

Too many celebrate today as just another holiday and miss the point. It's a holy day.

Thanks for the heads up, Sandy, on both the posts.

[SandRat]

Did my part and went to 3 Memorial Day Services in uniform.

[stansblugrassgrl]

Thank you, Sandrat. Bet you were very handsome. I played music with some folks over in Cordes Lakes. Many are members of the local American Legion post.

My husband celebrated by staying home and watching Band of Brothers all day long. He’s a Navy guy. Our daughter married a Navy guy, so did my sister. There’s just something about those Navy guys!