Veterans Day 2024 Tribute #MusicMovesMe

It's Monday.  In the United States it's Veteran's Day (what many other countries call Armistice Day), and it's time for music.

Today I am joining up with other Music Moves Me bloggers (and you can join us at the linky below). We are a group of music loving bloggers who blog about music each Sunday or Monday (or even later in the week). If you have music to share with us, you are most welcome to join! (Music Posts Only-meaning at least one music video, please! Otherwise, your post may be labeled "No Music".)   

Our head host is Xmas Dolly, and our co-hosts are Cathy from Curious as a Cathy, joined by the knowledgeable Stacy of Stacy Uncorked and, last but not least, me.

Every other week, we have a theme.  On alternate weeks, we can blog on any music theme we want. This week's theme is "You Pick".  But before I begin, an announcement.

I am decreasing my footprint in the Blogosphere and once again trying to avoid social media, which is becoming more and more toxic.  My time has also become more limited.  So this will be a short post, and I may be delayed in visiting your post.

So, some musical selections today, both upbeat and sad.

Let's begin on an American patriotic note.  The Stars and Stripes Forever, performed by the United States Army Field Band and Soldier's Chorus.  This is a song whose tune can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of where they were born or live.

Ray Charles and America the Beautiful.

In the United States, Veterans Day was expanded to honor all veterans, so my final selection honors the original intent of Armistice Day.  In Flanders Fields is a poem I post on my blog at least once a year.  Here it is, sung.

Written by a Canadian soldier in 1915 upon the battle death of his friend in Flanders, Belgium, during World War I, by a soldier who, himself, did not survive World War I, it is one of the most poignant poems I have ever read.  Here it is:

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
      Between the crosses, row on row,
   That mark our place; and in the sky
   The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
   Loved and were loved, and now we lie
         In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
   The torch; be yours to hold it high.
   If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
         In Flanders fields.

John McCrae 

And that's a wrap, as I honor all veterans of war today, including those in my family.

Join me again next week for another episode of Music Moves Me.