Free Republic

This Independence Day, read the unexpected history of the songs that have led our nation's soldiers, sailors, Marines, and airmen into battle. Armies have used music to rally troops in battle since biblical days. During the American War for Independence, boys too young and men too old to fight often played the fife and drum for the Continental Army, using music to signal commands as well as to boost soldiers’ morale.A particular tune might direct troops to cease fire, or to reload their rifles. While music rarely has such a practical use on the battlefield today, each branch of the...

What is the greatest Independence Day song of all time? ... I suspect The Star Spangled Banner by Francis Scott Key would be the #1 choice; however there are others not nearly as well known. One of those songs is actually entitled Independence Day from the 1990 album Powerhouse by the Christian rock group Whiteheart. (whose concert tours included stops at UTA, Six Flags, and other DFW locations) If you never heard this band, or this song, you are in for a treat. ... two videos: The first one is the actual audio recording which includes an intro not found...

We Are Coming (1918) MIDI by John McDonnell From the mountains wreathed and hoary, From the river and the plain, From the seaboard and the valley, We are marching forth again.We are marching, marching, marching, in answer to the call Of justice for the nations and liberty for all. We are marching, marching, marching, in answer to the call Of justice for the nations and liberty for all. We are coming, we are coming, As the pilgrims came of yore, We will rally round Old Glory As our fathers did before.We are marching, marching, marching, in answer to the...

BMI Award winning songwriter (best known for her 9/11 hit, "Little Did She Know She'd Kissed A Hero", has teamed up with recording artist Jenn Harris and co-written a powerful "thank you" song, "I Salute You." They are offering it as a free download and encourage you to pass the link along to anyone who has served in the past or is presently serving in our country's military as a humble thank you in appreciation for their selfless service. The song may be downloaded at http://www.kristyjackson.com/salute

They helped teach the history of America - Our 19-year-old son said, well, Dad, our country has never been invaded. I corrected him. What about the War of 1812? He gave me that "Yea, right Dad" look that told me he thought I was making this up. I have been known to tell our children tall tales. But not this time. There really was a War of 1812. The British invaded the fledgling country and even burned the White House. This is a kid who has spent a year in college thanks to a Promise scholarship. And he never heard...

This is an incredible 1 minute video. Be sure to have your sound turned up.

All Four StanzasBy Isaac Asimov I have a weakness--I am crazy, absolutely nuts, about our national anthem.The words are difficult and the tune is almost impossible, but frequently when I'm taking a shower I sing it with as much power and emotion as I can. It shakes me up every time.I was once asked to speak at a luncheon. Taking my life in my hands, I announced I was going to sing our national anthem--all four stanzas.This was greeted with loud groans. One man closed the door to the kitchen, where the noise of dishes and cutlery was loud...