Memorial Day Music List: Personal Top 10 Patriotic Songs

Memorial Day is a holiday filled with food, family, and music. It is a time to remember and be thankful for those men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in protecting this great nation. This list provides 10 of my favorite songs to play on Memorial Day, and other patriotic holidays such as the 4^th of July. These songs cover both the strong patriotic feel for the USA and also the feeling of loss, yet pride, felt for our men and women who have bravely served to protect our freedoms. I think each song has a special reason for being on this list.

God Bless The USA, in my opinion, is by far the most patriotic song ever written. Written and released by Lee Greenwood in 1984, the song has been resurrected a couple of times to inspire pride in our country during times of hardship. The song represents the depth of feeling people feel about the USA and how we would defend her at all costs.

Born In The USA, by Bruce Springsteen and released in 1984 has become an American classic. The lyrics have been interpreted to be a criticism of the Vietnam War, yet the song is still seen as a great song to play at BBQ's and family get-togethers. The chorus is the inspiring part of this song with the repetitive words, "Born in the USA" in Springsteen's gravelly voice resonating over and over. Yes, I was born in the USA and proud of it.

Independence Day, from 1994 and sang by Martina McBride is not specifically about soldiers or fighting, but it does touch on the emotions felt when thinking of our freedoms. The story within the song about an abused woman finally breaking free of her violent husband is simply a tool used to express the exaltation felt when oppression has been lifted and freedom has been gained. "Let freedom ring...its Independence Day" is such a poignant line delivered by a woman who has a voice bigger than herself. No one else could ever deliver this song the same way.

Toby Keith's American Soldier, released in 2003, is a very moving song about the American soldier and the sacrifices he makes to protect this nation. This song hits on the fact that soldiers are not unseen men and women; they are our neighbors, friends and family. They are people, just like us, who are trying to raise a family and provide a home. The difference is that they place their lives in harms way in order to guarantee our freedoms and security.

Star Spangled Banner as performed by Jimi Hendrix, first around 1968, is haunting and moving. Never will there be another rendition of this song that even compares. The way Hendrix makes his guitar sing and react to the rockets and bombs in the lyrics is moving. A must song for any barbeque.

Some Gave All by Billy Ray Cyrus, 1992, expresses the true meaning of Memorial Day. The song speaks of those men and women who gave everything for their country, including their lives. Think of your freedoms and remember those who protected them and gave their lives for that cause. Always have pride in your country. That is the ultimate message.

Travelin' Soldier is an emotional and moving song released by the Dixie Chicks in 2002. Due to the controversy surrounding the group, this song was missed by many even though it is a wonderful tune. The story of the soldier who goes off to war, never to return, expresses the loss felt at home when a soldier loses his life for his country. This song makes it on my list because it is beautifully sung and the story brings tears to my eyes time and time again.

SheDaisy's song Come Home Soon released in 2004 presents the view of the wife, or loved one, at home waiting for their loved one to return from military duty. The song expresses the loneliness and wanting felt by significant others all around the country, just waiting for any word from their loved one, and especially for that day when they will return home.

Arlington by Trace Adkins, 2005, should be the song played every year on Memorial Day. There isn't another song out there that encompasses the whole meaning of the holiday the way this song does. With the soldier 'settling' into his/her new home, with his head held high with pride, Arlington presents the meaning of Memorial Day in a unique way. The song presents itself from the view point of those soldiers lost in battle. But they don't want us to feel sorry for them, they died heroes.

Coming to America by Neil Diamond released in 1980, is a fast paced and fun song. The song shows what makes this country so wonderful and makes it worth fighting for. It tells about why people want to come here and about why their dreams bring them here. What better way to celebrate Memorial Day then to celebrate America.

Create a great song list, have some delicious food, re-connect with family and friends, and enjoy your Memorial Day!

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