The Legacy of Heroes

MP3 - The Legacy of Heroes
PDF - The Legacy of Heroes

As I was perusing some poetry, I happened upon this one. And almost instantaneously, a melody emerged. I got permission to set Susan Noyes Anderson's stirring poem to music. I wanted it to reflect a solemn feel, so one could feel the words as they are sung. I thank Susan for her gift and for the privilege of setting one of her poems to music. This would make a wonderful Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Veteran's Day or the like occasion. I hope you enjoy it.

1. Today we celebrate our troops, whose valor must be praised. 
Our nation is the legacy of heroes born and raised. 

2. From sea to shining sea they choose to honor and protect 
The laws and land that we revere, the freedoms we respect. 

3. The sacrifices of these men and women stir our hearts, 
Invoking all the gratitude their selflessness imparts. 

4. We celebrate each one of them and thank their fam'lies too. 
For rising to our country's call with courage known by few. 

5. May we be true to all who serve, and hold in memory, 
Each father, mother, daughter, son, whose blood has kept us free. 

Memorial Day

PDF - Memorial Day Hymn
MP3 - Memorial Day Hymn

I had this tune for over two years. My original intent was to create a nice orchestration out of it, but every time I sat down to orchestrate it, I didn't feel good about it. So, I decided to make it into a hymn-like tune. The words are not mine - they are from Joyce Kilmer's poem titled Memorial Day. When I read this poem the melody came instantly into my head and I knew I had to do something with it. It's my way of honoring those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. I hope you enjoy.

Memorial Day Hymn

The bugle echoes shrill and sweet,
But not of war it sings today.
The road is rhythmic with the feet
of men-at-arms who come to pray.

The roses blossom white and red
on tombs where weary soldiers lie;
flags wave above the honored dead
and martial music cleaves the sky.

Above their wreath-strewn graves we kneel,
they kept the faith and fought the fight.
Through flying lead and crimson steel
they plunged for Freedom and the Right.

May we, their grateful children, learn
their strength, who lie beneath this sod,
who went through fire and death to earn
at last the accolade of God.

In shining rank on rank arrayed
they march, the legions of the Lord;
He is their Captain unafraid,
The Prince of Peace - Who brought a sword.