VETERANS DAY RECOGNITION DINNER
NOVEMBER 7, 2009
I was honored to perform four of my patriotic songs on Saturday,November 7, 2009 at the Youngstown Masonic Temple for the Annual Veterans Day recognition Dinner, entitled: "In the Presence of Heroes." The Ancient Accepted Scottish Rile Valley of Youngstown invited Thomas A. Ross, former Major, U.S. Army Special Forces (also known as the Green Berets) to be Guest Speaker.
Mr. Ross is the President/CEO of The Ross Jewelry company in Atlanta, Georgia. He is also the author of Privileges of War, a Vietnam era book that tells positive stories of those who served during an unpopular war. While serving as the Operations and Intelligence Officer of Special Forces Detachment A-502 in Vietnam, Mr. Ross says he witnessed many unselfish and courageous deeds by both men and women. These deeds form the foundation of his book.
The Book- The first section of Mr. Ross' book documents day-to-day life in Vietnam, which could be both nauseatingly gut wrenching and euphorically exhilarating. the second section of the book presents an obscure and relatively unreported story of the "Rescue in the Valley of the Tigers." The story of the rescue recounts a life saving mission mounted by a small group of daring Americans determined to give the girt of freedom to inhabitants of a mountain village who had been held and used as slaves for more that eight years. It is an American story of resourcefulness, integrity and courage that demonstrates what Mr. Ross calls "...the true nature of those who represented our country on the Vietnam battlefield."
Mr. Ross recognized and honored area veterans who have served our country. His presentation, titled In the Presence of Heroes, focused on those who have served our country from World War II to present day. He was warm and engaging and stirred our emotions as he spoke about the men and women who have guarded our freedom.
Mr. Ross ended his presentation with a special recognition of a military unit and members of that unit living in the Ohio and Pennsylvania area.
NEWEST SONG:
Just released!!! My brand new patriotic line dance song, "Dance The USA". I've also created the line dance specifically choreographed for this song. The line dance itself is called, "The USA". Look for the video of the dance on YouTube shortly. So, if you love to line dance and you really love America, this is the one for you! It is now the first song you hear on my website automatically. To preview, go to my "SONGS" PAGE. Listen, then download. I would also appreciate it if you would go to my RATE-A-SONG page (click here) and then give your opinion of this new patriotic line dance song.
OHIO WESTERN RESERVE NATIONAL CEMETERY PROGRAM
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2008
I had the honor of performing at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery (OWRNC) Veterans Day Program. Click here for pictures. It was a cold, rainy and windy day in Rittman, Ohio, but that did not stop many who came to honor our beloved veterans. Notably, many senior patriots were on hand, braving the elements, despite handicaps and failing health. God Bless Them!
The Keynote Speaker was Major General Fred Lick, Jr. (left in picture) of the Ohio 
Military Reserve. He is currently the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Cleveland Chapter of the Korean War Veterans. What an honor it was for me when this major general firmly shook my hand and thanked me for my "We Give Our Thanks To You" song! Also addressing the audience was Congresswoman Betty 
Sutton of Ohio's 13th congressional district. She pledged her continued support for all veterans. The posting and retiring of colors, as well as the Rifle Salute, was handled by the 555th Honors Detachment 
from Wooster, Ohio. The Invocation and Benediction was given by Chuck Benson, Chaplain, OWRNC Advisory Committee. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Francis Elmerick. The welcoming and closing remarks were given by Maria Garza, Director, 
OWRNC. The Master of Ceremonies was Dan Rospert, Funeral Director of Hilliard-Rospert Funeral Home. Wreath laying by MSgt(retired) Janeen Polen and SSgt Mark Polen. The Young Marines, headed by Paul Sizemore were
also on hand. And lastly, Echo TAPS was performed by Chris Jones and Jody Wisard.
NEW BEACH MUSIC SONG!
JUST RELEASED! "WE FELL IN LOVE DOWN AT S.O.S."
This is the first song from my upcoming "Dance & Romance" CD. Beach Music and Carolina shag dancing go hand-in-hand.......and I love both! So, here is my first of several Shag Dance songs I've written. To hear/download the song, and to learn more about Shag dancing and Beach music, click here (BEACH MUSIC page)
NEWEST PATRIOTIC SONG!
My newest song and the fourth which you will hear is, "I'm On My Knees Today (A Soldier's Parent's Prayer)". This prayer is sung from the perspective of an American parent whose son in the Armed Forces is leaving for war. To date, it is the least orchestrated of all my songs, but I think it is the most appropriate rendition. My heart goes out to all parents of current military personnel. Their worry and anxiety must be overwhelming. This song is as much a tribute to them as it is a prayer for their child's safekeeping and worldwide peace. Downloadable. Just go to the "SONGS" page to preview/download.
THANK YOU SONG TO OUR VETERANS!
"If You Love Your Freedom, Thank A Vet" is one of my newer songs and one of two songs of "Thanks". It is the first of my "bumper sticker" songs. One day I saw a bumper sticker which read, "If You Love Your Freedom, Thank A Vet". I immediately went home and started composing this song. It 
expresses two sentiments: First, take the time to thank a veteran for his/her service to this country. Second, teach that lesson to our children. Downloadable, although this is not the final version of the song. Just go to the "SONGS" page to preview/download.
USS NEW YORK
HERE SHE IS......THE "USS NEW YORK"
Steel salvaged from the World Trade Center wreckage will be used in the construction of the "USS New York". The shipyard and Navy inspected the steel and found that it was of sufficient material strength so that it could be incorporated into the bow stem of New York.
"We're very proud that the twisted steel from the WTC towers will soon be used to forge an even strong national defense," said New York Gov. George Pataki. "The USS New York will soon be defending freedom and combating terrorism around the globe, while also ensuring that the world never forgets the evil attacks of September 11, 2001 and the courage and strength New Yorkers showed in response to terror." The Fact Sheet also notes that New York's Governor specifically requested a future warship be given the name "USS New York" to commemorate the victims of the World Trade Center attack:
Governor George E. Pataki wrote a letter to Secretary England requesting that the Navy revive the name USS New York in honor of September 11's victims and to give it a surface warship involved in the war on terror. In his letter, the Governor said he understood state names presently are reserved for submarines but asked for special consideration so the name could be given to a surface ship. The request was approved August 28, 2002. The ship is being built by Northrop Grumman Corporation's Ship Systems sector. A 2003 Northrop Grumman News Release discusses the use of World Trade Center steel in the project and notes:
Our company will treat this steel with dignity and respect," said Dr. Philip A. Dur, president, Northrop Grumman Ship Systems. "This piece of steel has been washed with the tears of Americans and hardened by millions of prayers from around the world. It is our hope that we can bring strength and victory to this steel and to the whole of LPD 21, and that the spirit of the people who represent her namesake state will fill her future crews with pride and bravery."
The ship's motto? "NEVER FORGET"
USS NEW YORK
Here SHE is, the
USS New York, made from the World Trade Center.
It was built with 24 tons of scrap steel from the World Trade Center.
It is the fifth in a new class of warship - designed for missions that include special operations against terrorists. It will carry a crew of 360 sailors and 700 combat-ready Marines to be delivered ashore by helicopters and assault craft.
Steel from the World Trade Center was melted down in a foundry in Amite, LA to cast the ship's bow section. When it was poured into the molds on Sept 9, 2003, "those big rough steelworkers treated it with total reverence," recalled Navy Capt. Kevin Wensing, who was there. "It was a spiritual moment for everybody there."
Junior Chavers, foundry operations manager, said that when the trade center steel first arrived, he touched it with his hand and the "hair on my neck stood up." "It had a big meaning to it for all of us," he said. "They knocked us down. They can't keep us down. We're going to be back."
The ship's motto? "Never Forget"
A great example of what this country is made of!!!!
SONGS FROM HEAVEN
I have now made my five (5) "Songs From Heaven" available as free downloads! Just go to the SONGS page to download either individually or as an entire album. SIMPLE and FREE!!! More songs will be added to this album in the months ahead. In addition, "We Give Our Thanks To You", a musical tribute to our current military personnel is also now available as a free download on the SONGS page.
ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY BROGLIO
I was honored to meet and talk with Cleveland native (St. Ann's Parish and fellow St. Ignatius High School graduate), Father Timothy Broglio on Sunday, February 3, 2008 after his installation mass at St. John's Cathedral. He has just been appointed the Archbishop of the Military Diocese, U.S.A. Quite a responsibility! I offered him my services regarding live performances of my patriotic songs in support of his new ministry. Good luck Father! Hope to work with you soon.
GOLDEN CORRAL UPDATE!
UPDATE! Not only does The Golden Corral Restaurant chain feed American veterans for free on Veterans Day (see story below), but they also give a 50% discount off their already great price for a complete meal to any U.S. military personnel in uniform! Another great reason to support this great chain of restaurants. Please stop in and say "Hello" to Manager Bruce Antolovic and his great staff on Brookpark Rd. and tell 'em... "Jimmy sent me!"
VETAID FUNDRAISER
There will be a fundraiser on Saturday Jan.26, 2008 for VetAid 2008 (click here for website) presented by Paladin Knights at Pounders Bar & Grill, York Rd, Parma Hts., Ohio from 5 pm to 8 pm. All you can eat (salad,wings, pasta and drink (beer and well drinks). There will be sideboards, raffle, a Chinese raffle, 50/50 and door prizes. Cost is $20.00 with all proceeds going to VetAid National. Please contact me for tickets.
BUY CD!
UPDATED! Seven(7) of the patriotic songs you hear on this website are now available on a CD entitled, Selected Songs from "My America, Vol.1." Click here for details.
NEW SONG!
I just recently added (third song on the site-wide player) a new song onto the website called, "We Give Our Thanks To You". This is a ballad which simply says, "Thank You" to the troops, our brave and wonderful men and women currently serving in the Armed Forces. This song is not quite finished, but I wanted to post it on this website in time for the holiday season. After all, what better time to tell ..."You who serve with pride, saluting side by side our flag red, white and blue..." how much all America appreciates what you are doing to defend this country and freedom loving people everywhere.
God bless you and keep you safe always!
VETAID 2008 FUNDRAISER
VetAid 2008 (click here for website) will be four day fundraising event at the end of August, 2008, spearheaded in Cleveland, Ohio on behalf of all needy veterans. It will include a parade, a veterans reunion, and a series of concerts across the city. Local and national headline acts will be performing, including yours truly, Jimmy Flynn! The wheels have been put into motion, the city of Cleveland and Mayor Frank G. Jackson are supporting it. Check back here for more details as they become available. Click here for photos.
ARLINGTON AT CHRISTMAS
ARLINGTON AT CHRISTMAS!
I had no idea this was done. I
thought you might want to see it.
Rest easy, sleep well my brothers.
Know the line has held, your job is done.
Rest easy, sleep well.
Others have taken up where you fell, the line has held.
Peace and farewell,
Peace and farewell.... 
Readers may be interested to know that these wreaths -- some 5,000 -- are donated by the Worcester Wreath Co. of Harrington, Maine. The owner, Merrill Worcester, not only provides the wreaths, but covers the trucking expense as well. He's done this since 1992. A wonderful guy. Also, most years, groups of Maine school kids combine an educational trip to DC with this event to help out. Making this even more remarkable is the fact that Harrington is in one the poorest parts of the state.
Please share this with everyone on your address list. You hear too much about the bad things people do. Everyone should hear about this.
PEARL HARBOR DAY AT USS COD
On December 7, 2007, I attended the Pearl Harbor commemoration at the site of the USS COD submarine on the north marginal, near East Ninth Street in downtown Cleveland, Ohio. Click here for photos.
PALADIN KNIGHTS AT OHIO VETERANS HOME
On December 1, 2007, the Paladin Knights which I recently joined, had a Christmas pizza party for our veterans living at the Ohio Veterans Home in Sandusky, Ohio. This fine organization takes a "hands on" approach to helping needy veterans. They just don't talk about it, they do it themselves! I'm so proud to be a new member. Mr. Tim "Doc" Anderson (right foreground), a Paladin Knight Chapter 3 Vice-President, has been so supportive of my songs. Thanks Doc! Click here for photo page.
VETERANS TRANSITIONAL HOME WEST 94TH & LORAIN
I attended an open-house at the Veterans Transitional Home at the corner of West 94th and Lorain Avenue,Cleveland, Ohio on Friday, November 30, 2007 at 1 pm. In attendance were Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson (left), Bob Darby (Host and VA Transitional Home Program Manager) (below), Councilman Jay Westbrook (Ward 18), Daniel Engel (President of Vietnam Veterans of America-Greater Cleveland Chapter #15), Barbara Anne Ferris (Candidate for Congress), David Budzik (Cleveland's Military & Veterans Affairs Liaison),
Darin M. Herzo (Branch Manager US Bank), George P. Catavolos of Catavolos Funeral Home, Tim "Doc" Anderson and fellow members of Paladin Knights, John Rodda (Let Freedom Sing Radio Hour 1420 AM) and others. This is a wonderful VA facility for veterans who need a low-cost transitional place to live (up to six months) while returning to productive civilian life.
VETERANS DAY AT GOLDEN CORRAL 11/12/07
How about a hand! !!!! ...and your support!
On Monday, Nov. 12, 2007 The Golden Corral Restaurant, 8696 Brookpark Rd, Cleveland, Oh, 44129, (216)635-0878, Bruce Antolovic, General Manager, served a free meal to 1,100 veterans!
What a turnout and how appreciative they all were! Literally standing in the rain in a line the length of the parking lot. Bruce and his fine staff did an incredible job of servicing everyone with patience and understanding. They are to be commended with honors and supported with our business!
Please spread the word about this fine
restaurant. By the way, this a national program for all Golden Corral restaurants. Let's show them how very much we appreciate their patriotism. Great food, great service, very reasonable prices, etc. Please, please stop in, have a meal with the family and let them know they came through with flying colors.
The "Let Freedom Sing" Radio Hour 1420 AM men were there. John Rodda, Kenny Anderson and yours truly, Jimmy Flynn were on hand signing up listeners to the program and registering them for $25.00 Golden Corral gift certificates to be awarded to selected veterans who listen to the program on Sunday nights from 8 to 9 PM on WHK 1420 AM. Click here for pictures of this event on PHOTOS PAGE.
BUSY WEEK! 11/5/07 to 11/12/07
Whew! What a busy week this was. Finished writing two more patriotic songs, started one new Song From Heaven concerning finding the true purpose in your life, video taped a TV program called "It's Cleveland Talent" on channel 97 Time Warner Cable on which I sung "My America, I Love You" and "Cheer For America", DJ'd a great dinner/dance for Cleveland-Cliffs at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, did a two hour Veterans Day special "Let Freedom Sing" Radio Hour (WHK1420 AM) on Sunday night, and then participated in the wonderful Feed a Vet program at the Golden Corral restaurant on Brookpark Road. I need my NURSE!!! 
