5 Songs for Veterans Day

Veterans Day is Friday, November 11th. It's a day in the U.S. for honoring those who have signed up to serve and defend this country in times of peace and in times of war. As with any holiday, there's an opportunity to listen to and play some music that in some way can tie into the festivities or whatever traditions you may have for this holiday. The themes of conflict, and heroism run throughout several popular music tracks. Here now are a few of my favorites, and hopefully one or more of them will touch a patriotic chord.

"My Hero" Foo Fighters - Sure, it could be a little cliche, and I'm sure it's not what front man Dave Grohl had in mind as the subject matter, but when it comes to being a hero, serving your country puts you at the top of the list in most people's eyes. Stories of the bravery that the men and women serving this country show in their times of service earn them that title of "hero."

"America The Beautiful" Ray Charles - There has never been a more poignant and beautiful performance of this song ever recorded. There is so much subtext in this version.It cannot be ignored that at the time that this version was recorded, African-Americans were just starting to be really granted the freedoms they'd fought so hard for. Still, Charles sang the song with so much warmth and passion, that it has become the definitive version of the patriotic hymn, crossing all boundaries of sex, race, religion or creed, which is what veterans have fought to protect since the country's birth.

"Fortunate Son" Creedence Clearwater Revival - Though it is a protest song, pointing out the glaring disparity in the children of the privileged in comparison to others, the fact is that the song speaks of the sacrifice that soldiers make. The lyrics spell out the dedication that the folks in the military have to their mission, the attitude that they have chosen to give up everything to serve and defend this country. For those reasons, it's a totally appropriate song to play on Veterans Day.

"Coming To America" Neil Diamond - Yes, it's a Neil Diamond song. Sure, he can be a bit campy in his performances, but you can't deny the infectious quality of this song about immigrants coming to this country for a better future. It's the very reason that men and women sign up to fight for the United States, the promise of a better for future for everyone.

"America" Simon and Garfunkel - Paul and Art's song about two young adults traveling across the country on a bus in the 1960s is a beautiful story. It also again speaks to what veterans serve this country for, freedom. Specifically, the freedom to pick up your life and move it somewhere new, in pursuit of happiness.