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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." 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" SONGS FROM HEAVEN
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!" 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!
VETAID 2008 FUNDRAISER 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! |
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I have now made my five (5) "Songs From Heaven" available as free downloads! Just go to the 
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. 
