I first heard this when I went to see the movie "Saving Private Ryan". The theater was packed full of older men, most I assume were veterans of WWII, Korea and Vietnam (9/11 hadn't occurred yet.) This number played at the end of the film and when the lights went on I looked around and through my own tears I could tell there wasn't a dry eye in the theater. The power of music and imagery was made manifest that day in 1998.
Definitely brings a tear to your eyes. In my view (especially just for this song alone) John Williams got rob for the Oscar for Best Score. Definitely some of the best music ever made for a movie.
I just retired after 24 yrs and 16 days of service. My retirement ceremony was one of the hardest things I ever did, but I was grateful, both to have served and to have been able to have the ceremony because each experience showed me how much I loved this beautiful country. I began my service, essentially, as a selfish mercenary who merely wanted to fly for a living but I left as a patriot. It may sound cheesy but I salute my brothers and sisters who also served. It was a privilege.
Twister051, had to come back here to revisit this beautiful piece and you. I thank you! What a beautiful sentiment from the heart! You just wanted to fly. No, doesn't sound cheesy at all!
Thank you for your service. What an inspiring story of such a great change in a person's life through commitment and love of country. That is a well lived life.
I'm from Ukraine and I'm serviceman, like USGI. Glory to the fallen Heroes of the United States!! Thank to President of the USA, Government and all American nation for your support of my country!! May God bless you, dear friends!!
When I was a boy my father was in the marines and I used to hate the military for keeping him away from me, before he shipped out for the last time I pleaded with him why he couldn’t just stay home with me and mom, he told me that he didn’t want me to live in fear because men like Bin Laden existed, and he told me that he was always with mom and me no matter where he was in the world and that he would be with us forever........ that was the last time I ever saw my father alive, he was killed a few months before Osama was killed. Now I have nothing but respect for the military and its members. They gave away everything they held dear to them, in order to protect people they didn’t even know, and in particular, they gave up their lives to comfort a little boy.....
I am in tears as I write this. I had one grandfather who served World War I; the other (who died just last year) in World War II; and a stepfather who served in Vietnam. I have visited Arlington as well as Gettysburg, Vicksburg, and many other battlefields around this great nation of ours. I've also seen individual military headstones in civilian cemeteries in many different states. I am always moved to tears with gratitude for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for my freedom. As the inscription of the chapel wall of the American military cemetery in Normandy so poignantly states, "Think not only upon their passing, Remember the glory of their spirit."
I'm a Dutch men how lives in the Netherlands and several times every year i went to the US cemetery of Margraten to bring flowers to a grave of an American Soldier i adoptet that grave 20 years ago. To thank the American forces for my freedom. I was born in 1968 in a free country and i wil never forget that they all gave their live for us here in Europe.
For me it is importend that over 20 years there is somebody who cares about the memory of WW II. Becaus when there is nowbody left that lived in that time we must kept the memory and give it too the next generation. Greetings Joseph
Graham Bull. My father was a regular in the Royal Marines and survived both the First and Second World War, dying in 1952. I , a Soldier, survived the Second World War. We are both saddened by the losses of colleagues we once knew and I'm absolutely sure that Dad, who appreciated beautiful music, as with myself, find the "Hymn to the Fallen" a most moving and apt piece.
+Graham Bull Thank You for your service ! My family has raised up many who have fought on land, sea and air. Those who step up to the call to arms; those who stand up and fight injustice, are Forever Among the Most Blessed among us all. In countless fights for freedom throughout history mankind has and always will be, Blessed by the courage and sacrifices of people such as these.
Padre, I'd appreciate it , when you have the time, to ask Our Father to watch over those who are in harms way. Most of us, remember ...and it was people like you, who helped out in more ways than you can possibly recall. *EYES RIGHT*
In the small town I use to live in is a cemetery , much like any other small town. I've posted some 40 or 50 American flags at the head stones of every veteran, simply because if we, as their brothers don't remember them , who will remember us? I'm pretty sure the people of Burns Oregon will appreciate it. I believe the thanks is due in large part to the ones who remember us now.
My Uncle Richard is buried in Arlington. Silver Star Bronze Star Purple Heart. He never spoke of his service. I found his Silver Star award letter. A very patriotic man.
I love ❤️ this….one day, all will get the full credit for what they deserve, if not already. Loss is not easy to take, but we know that it sometimes happens when pursuing a great cause…life, liberty and pursuit of happiness for others….and for peace. “Greater love hath no man than this, than a man lay down his life for his friends.” In that, we can be comforted that it was not in vain, but for a necessary purpose. We know it is not easy, but it is for peace for all. Freedom is not free, like soldiers in the military will testify to us again and again, for they know deeply, firsthand. I honor my father who served in World War II, and lost military buddies. Every time a patriotic song was played, he got misty eyes. He, too, will get credit for helping to keep us free. Thank you, dad, we love ❤️ you for what you taught us over the years.
Interesting enough, it really sounds like a processional hymn for a cemetery service. John Williams really understands the depth of music and how much of a role it plays for cinematic movies. It's beyond imagination and I'm really glad to hear your rendition of it! Good job guys! :)
I say that every day . I think it will as long there men and women of conviction who will stand up against oppression and tyranny . Our country has proven that there are such people and they wear the uniform of a United States soldier .
+SLYSPYHIWAY90 Yes, for now. But things are changing in our military today, and it isn't for the better. A liberal, ammoral philosophy is becoming rapidly present. I saw it most among the younger troops but it is obvious that many senior leaders are caving in to the PC-police. Things have changed drastically since I was a 2nd lieutenant in 1991. I read an article the other day about a retired military member who was FORCIBLY removed from a friend's retirement flag ceremony for trying to speak of God in his remarks. Made me hang my head in shame. Not to be cynical or a 'Chicken Little' but after Nobember 2012 I truly believe only Jesus Christ can fix the mess that America is in. I will say this, though: before that happens, good and decent people from ALL religions, or even no religion, need to work together to withstand the onslaught of evil. If you TRULY love America, you are my friend and I hope you would count me as yours.
Yes indeed i was in the Navy during Vietnam and i am now retired but i was a Houston policeman. Our so called President has allowed to many unvetted immigrants into America. Most do not have our relegious beliefs.Muslums does not mix with a Democracy. We need Trump not Hillary. May God bless you and America.
This was played today, December 5th, 2018 at the funeral of President George Bush senior. Other music was played and sung, but this, along with the Navy Hymn was the most touching.
This music from Saving Private always reminds me of my father who was in WWII. He never saw combat but was proud of his service. He left for the European Theatre on a troop ship from New York harbor on Christmas Eve of 1942 and returned home on October 6th of 1946. He had passed by the time Saving Private Ryan came out. I saw this film with my brother in law on a Tuesday evening the week after the debut. The soundtrack was terrific and the scenes were realistic beyond my imagination. We both left the theater stunned and hardly spoke on the ride home. It took me a couple of days to recover. From that point on I gained a renewed respect for my fathers generation.
When I listen this song, I feel special emotion, and I remembered the soldiers in the"2nd war world, their lives to lost for the freedom, May the Lord keep in the heaven,...
A young American poet, Robinson Jeffers wrote while fighting in WW-I that war makes brothers of men. As an Air Force officer during Vietnam commanding a squadron of courageous, bright, funny, disciplined young men, who, despite the fear that we all felt, did the right thing. That, to me, is bravery. I certainly found Jeffers observation to be very true. Some of them died in my arms. Resigning my commission, was an experience was I shall never forget. Eight years and two advanced degrees later, I became qualified to teach, treat and conduct research at a med school and several hospitals in neurobiology focusing of traumatic brain injuries. I did this for them, both those who came home and those who did not. It was not as if I planned to do this. I just followed a path. I knew I would do this before I left the USAF. If I had it to do all over again, I would not change a thing. Whether killed, injured, MIA or POW, we need to remember the fallen always as both brothers and as fellow Americans. Col. Randall Smith, United States Air Force (Retired).
I came back with a limp from some russian or chinese metal but left too many guys over there. God Bless all of my friends who never came back, perhaps we will meet again, I hope so.
+Bob Young You know you will. We all will.I went over with 132 people, and came home with 28. The rest were in caskets in the cargo hold. No one talked the entire 25 hour flight home. Not one word was said. And yes, I do in fact recall each and every name. I took two home. B company 2/75th Rangers. 9th Infantry. Fort Lewis. ARVN 1973Rangers, lead the way!!!
Don B Thanks Don, I was in MI and was doing some sneaky stuff up in the hills and mountains. They knew we were there and sure wanted us bad. I still can't say where I was exactly but we did get hit and found a few times and it was Royal Air Force planes, (not the Brits) flown by US Pilots that saved our butts.
Visiting 'The Wall' in Washington, DC was not on my list of priorities for many reasons. My two tours with the 101st Airborne Division, '68 - '70, left me with the feeling that it was a hell of a way for all of us to lose our youth. Thank God we were too young to know it at the time. When I finally did visit those men who lost their lives under my command I could only hope that it was not due to a bad command on my part and beg their forgiveness if it was. I am so proud to have served with them.
On the top of my bookcase there is a flag, folded in a triangle, in a simple wood and glass case. It is my father's flag, in honor of his service (WWII and Korea) in the USAAF/USAF. This music has me looking at that flag with tears in my eyes. I miss you, Dad.
Had to visit again. A violin to the American heart. OMG! A piece that brings this man to tears and I'm so proud! This is OUR song, our national soul. Thank you to our soldiers many of whom are still in foreign lands. Walk the rows of our most sacret National cemetery and look toward Washington, D.C or Cabrillo National in San Diego and look out at the sea or a more private burial in your town USA. WE ARE ONE! Every note resonates and plays the soul. I don't understand it yet it is my soul! I get it!!!!!! It is who WE ARE.
So proud of my father - West Point Graduate & Army Ranger. He served valiantly and always considered his service a great privilege and honor. I love & miss you Dad.
I am confident that your dad is very proud of you. I like reading these comments. Gives me confidence that I am NOT alone in my love for this wonderful country called America. Keep the faith!
...and when he gets to Heaven St. Peter he will tell "One more Marine reporting I served my time in Hell." RIP my brothers and sisters. You did your job better than most will ever know.
My deepest gratitude to all the veterans who risked their lives defending our country and keeping the world free from tyranny. God bless those who are still with us. Rest in eternal bliss you who have gone to be with Him.
Most people in our country don't realize that with out a strong military we won't have a country. If that is the case then all of these men and women died for nothing.
Thank you, my fellow patriots and citizens for your ultimate sacrifice in the service of our great nation. May we always protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
Mister Graham,Sir, I am very sure, indeed positive that what awaits us is what your father and many more like him have already come to know and realize. EYES RIGHT. Pass In Review.
Nous allons le chanter avec notre chorale de Couvin ( Belgique) , le Chœur des Troubadours de l'Eau Noire . En concert , avec le Band de Mariembourg ( Belgique) . Frissons et chair de poule garantis. Pour moi, hommage a mes deux grands-pères , héros de la 14-18 , et hommage à ma mère et à mon père , résistants en 40-45 , mon père aussi engagé volontaire avec les Américains dès décembre 1944.
God bless the men and women in uniform, who have fought on the front lines for freedom. Some have paid the ultimate price of death. May God bless their sacrifice and may we never forget.
Long may those people who died in defense of our country rest in peace, and long may the living veterans live in happiness throughout their lives. Long may those that died on 9/11 also rest in peace. Such wanton death was dealt that day.
Thank you so very much! Can't stop wailing!!!!!! Thank You to our vets sons and daughters! Thank you for this beautiful piece of our fabric as a Nation!!!!
How amazing is this version for me. My favorite choir and orchestra ever playing one of the John Williams masterpiece OST of my favorite movie ever. No words enough to describe that
They shall grow not oldAs we that are left grow oldAge shall not wearyNor the years condemnAt the going down of the sunAnd in the morningWe will remember themLest we forget
Thank you for all people who scarified themselves for the great nation, protect the all the United States citizens, and for the ultimate goal - better America. God bless them and their families.
All I can say is thank you. Thank you for this service that you didnt voluntarily do, nor were foreordained, but you did it. You left your families, your baseball fields and taverns, your chapels and tractors so that we can live in freedom. In such inhumanity, the best souls this world has ever know rose up to defend it. For all that I am able to call home, thank you.
I'm retired Army and LDS. I saw SAVING PRIVATE RYAN several times. After the first time, I said thanks to my Dad a WW2 Navy veteran of the Pacific for his part in the war. This song is for all the Greatest Generation. RIP Dad and my father in law Joseph Watson who served in the Pacific in the Army. This is my favorite version of this classic song.
As a currently enlisted marine this songs means a lot. I haven’t seen combat nor have I deployed yet but I have lost 5 marines already. All due to a majority of incidents. My Uncle served in the Navy. He was a lifer and I am following in his footsteps.
This music always stirs me to think of the millions who paid the ultimate price in wars around the world. I often drive past the WW2 U.S. Airmen Cemetery near Cambridge in the U.K. and think of those brave men who left their homeland on the other side of the Atlantic to help in the great allied cause of freedom in Europe. My uncle who is now 95, served in both the Royal Air Force in bomber command, and later served in the Fleet Air Arm in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). Another of my uncle's died aged 18 whilst in the Royal Navy and is buried in a Commonwealth War Cemetery in Gosport, Hampshire.
Just cant hold back the emotions from this piece my dad was wwll I will always honor him for his contribution thanks dad YOU are my hero now an forever
my father was an officer in the ww 2 war , his father died in the ww 1 , he dedicated his medals to him , respect for his men and girl who fought to give us years of peace , rip
And in 1966 President Charles DeGaulle of France said all USA military must leave and President Lyndon Johnson said does that include the 60,000 buried there from WWI&WWII
DeGaulle was a legend in his own mind. My father was in France during the war. When he and his unit entered a French town that was liberated they were treated with open arms. About two weeks later the Germans had been pushed about twenty miles to the east. The towns people started to resent the Americans and wanted them to leave. My father’s commanding officer told an arrogant Frenchman, “we can leave and bring the Germans back”. The guy shut up.
I love this piece by the great composer John Williams. My brother served our country in the Air Force, and my nephew served in the US Army in Iraq. He was badly wounded and was brought home. Thanks for remembering!
Tonight it replaced the 1812 Overture at Chicago's 7/4 concert with the Grant Park Music Festival Orchestra and Chorus. They acquitted themselves magnificently.