Memorial Day is not Veterans Day. Veterans Day is observed on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month and commemorates the signing of the Armistice to end World War I. This November, we will mark the centenary. On Veterans Day, we celebrate anyone who served or serves in the United States Military. Memorial Day is a far more somber day. Memorial Day honors those who “gave the last full measure of devotion” and died in service to his/her country. Take a moment on this Memorial Day, Monday, May 28 and listen to one of these songs. Pause and reflect on the very young men and women who have served and sacrificed.

“Keep the Home Fires Burning” – The generation that fought World War I is gone. My favorite part of the song to reflect on is:

And we gave our glorious laddies
Honour bade us do no less,
For no gallant son of freedom
To a tyrant’s yoke should bend,

“The White Cliffs of Dover” – Written in 1941, this song was made famous in 1942 by British songstress Vera Lynn. I have tagged the Righteous Brothers version here, because I prefer it. The song speaks of “angry skies” because the British people were bombed constantly. And, this verse is a reminder that some children slept in bomb shelters or were sent to live in far off pastoral counties in England:

The shepherd will tend his sheep
The valley will bloom again
And Jimmy will go to sleep
In his own little room again

“Ballad of the Green Berets” – Written and recorded by S.Sgt. Barry Sadler in 1966. Sadler was an active duty Green Beret medic. In the song, despite the Green Beret’s death, his last request is that his son should follow his path. Interesting to reflect on this.

“Some Gave All” – Written in 1992 by Billy Ray Cyrus (Miley’s Dad).

Love your country and live with pride
And don’t forget those who died
America can’t you see

All gave some and some gave all
And some stood through for the red, white and blue
And some had to fall
And if you ever think of me
Think of all your liberties and recall
Some gave all…

“I Drive Your Truck” – I cannot even type the story behind this song, but you can read it here. In the lyrics, when the Dad mentions “you’d probably punch my arm”, I lose it. Think about all the Gold Star Families who live this daily.

“Arlington” – Written from the point of view of one of the fallen by Jeremy Spillman and Dave Turnbull, Trace Adkins interpretation is perfect. “Don’t cry for us…”

and finally:

Thank you, as always, for reading Victory Girls. Have a peaceful and free Memorial Day.