[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Here in the United States it’s Memorial Day, a time to remember those that have served and sacrificed for freedom. Music has always been an important part of the military, from herald trumpets announcing an army’s approach, to regimental drummers aiding in keeping soldiers in step. The US has a proud tradition of military music ensembles, stationed all over the world. Each of the five uniformed branches of the US military has an official song, loved and cherished by its members. Let’s learn a bit about each.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
THE UNITED STATES NAVY
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]As it happens, your editor is a Navy veteran, so that’s where we’ll start! Most of us are familiar with the US Navy’s march, Anchors Aweigh. It was written in 1907 by Charles Zimmerman and dedicated to that year’s Naval Academy class. It speaks of bidding farewell to foreign shores and returning home to American waters. Not a stranger to change, the lyrics have shifted over the years. One notable adjustment was replacing the line “Farewell to college joys” with “Farewell to foreign shores.” This line is, perhaps, a bit more inclusive. “Aweigh” means that the anchor is to be brought on board in preparation for departure. It’s often confused for “away.”[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SucjKAt608″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
THE UNITED STATES ARMY
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]What is a caisson? Well…it must have wheels as it rolls over hill and dale. The Army Goes Rolling Along, which uses John Philip Sousa’s tune, the U.S. Field Artillery March, doesn’t mention caissons (a device designed to carry – you guessed it – field artillery ammunition) as the original lyric was a bit too specific to represent the entire Army. The current official lyrics were approved in 1956. The tune has been used a great deal in popular culture – GI Joe, The Jetsons, and the big purple dinosaur, Barney all used Sousa’s music.
Enjoy the West Point Cadet Glee Club, conducted by Constance Chase, performing The Army Goes Rolling Along.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtafPMq3lFg&feature=youtu.be&t=57s”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]The youngest of the military services obviously has the newest official song. When the USAF separated from the US Army in 1947, becoming its own branch, the song Army Air Corps was retitled the Air Force Song. I know I said I was a Navy vet, but I’ve always loved the imagery found in this song’s lyrics:
Off we go into the wild blue yonder,
Climbing high into the sun
Here they come zooming to meet our thunder
At ’em boys, Give ‘er the gun!
Down we dive, spouting our flame from under
Off with one helluva roar!
We live in fame or go down in flame. Hey!
Nothing can stop the U.S. Air Force!
These words are a slightly altered version of Robert Crawford’s original 1939 lyrics. The final word of each chorus was “Corps.” When this was changed to “Force,” an attempt was made to change the rhyming words. The changes were never popular and sometime after 1972, the USAF reverted back to Crawford’s initial lyrics, save that all important last word shift. Sometimes change just doesn’t stick!
Here’s a surprise flash performance by the Washington, DC USAF Band and Singing Sergeants.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYwj7BmJk8I&feature=youtu.be&t=52s”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]The USMC’s official song, the Marine’s Hymn (aka From the Halls of Montezuma) holds a unique place in this collection of American military songs. Jacques Offenbach, a French composer who was born in Germany, composed the tune used for the Marine’s music. It’s also the oldest of the military songs. The text, legend tells us, was penned by a Marine on duty in Mexico after storming Chapultepec Castle.
Good natured, interservice ribbing has occurred consistently over the years. A jab at the Army and Navy is found right in the Marine’s official song:
If the Army and the Navy
Ever look on Heaven’s scenes,
They will find the streets are guarded
By United States Marines.
It’s all in good fun. When it counts, we all stand side by side.
Here’s none other than The President’s Own – United States Marine Band performing this stirring march.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
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THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]The Coast Guard has a tremendously important mission – patrolling our shores and performing search and rescue operations are just part of it. Founded by Alexander Hamilton, its official march, Semper Paratus (Latin for always ready) is probably the least known of the five official marches. The music and lyrics, much like the Marine’s Hymn, were written at different times and in different places, but in this case by the same person – Captain Francis Saltus Van Boskerck. As time passed, the words changed slightly, but have retained the idea that the Coast Guard is ever ready to perform its mission.
Here’s a recording of the US Coast Guard Band playing Semper Paratus.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Memorial Day finds its roots in communities gathering to place flowers on the graves of the Civil War fallen. It brought people together when flowers were in full bloom. They spent time together as an extended family, honoring those that paid the ultimate price for freedom. It’s partially why we still come together for cookouts and good springtime fun on this holiday – but don’t forget to remember what the day stands for – this powerful music certainly reminds us.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]