Memorial Day Observed

10 p.m. to Midnight Host: Steve Winters

This night starts Memorial Day Weekend 2003, with the holiday actually falling on Monday. This program pays tribute to those who have given their lives in military service from the American Revolution to this year in Iraq and Afghanistan. Special emphasis again this year is placed on the Civil War since Memorial Day originated as Decoration Day in the aftermath of this nation’s deadliest conflict (500,000 dead).

Julia Vitullo-Martin, in a recent essay, made a valid point about this holiday when she wrote:
“Years ago anthropologist Conrad Cherry called the celebration of Memorial Day an ‘American sacred ceremony,’ a rite that validated this country as the ‘defender of democratic principles around the world.’” “We don’t talk that way anymore. But surely we should take Memorial Day seriously, honoring those who died for these principles, even as we welcome summer happily.”

  • Artist, "Title", Album, Label

  • Harvey Reid, “The Unknown Solider”, Dreamer Or Believer, Woodpecker

  • Classical Brass, “Honor To Our Soldiers”, Honor To Our Soldiers, Musical Heritage Society

  • Arthur Smith & Benny Martin, “Dixie”, Songs Of The Civil War, CMH

  • Weavers, “Rally Round The Flag (A Battle Cry Of Freedom)”, Wasn’t That A Time, Vanguard

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  • Jay Ungar & Molly Mason, “Tenting On The Old Camp Ground”, “Marching Through Georgia”, “Hits Of The ‘60s”, Live At Gettysburg College, Fiddle & Dance

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  • Richard Shindell, “Arrowhead”, Blue Divide, Shanachie

  • Guy Clark, “Soldier’s Joy 1864”, The Dark, Sugar Hill

  • Jack Hardy, “The 111th Pennsylvane”, Civil Wars, Great Divide

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  • Artisan, “Christmas Eve 1914”, Paper Angels, Boing

  • Michael McCann, “The Greenfields Of France”, Soldiers’ Songs, independent

  • Bill Gallaher & Jake Galbraith, “1914 (The Grand Illusion)”, The Last Battle, independent

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  • Josh White, “Freedom Road”, That’s Why We’re Marching, Smithsonian/Folkways

  • Michael McCann, “D-Day Dodgers”, Soldiers’ Songs, independent

  • John Gorka, “Semper Fi”, Jack’s Crows, High Street

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  • Saul Brody, “Green T-Shirt Blues”, In Country, Flying Fish

  • Bull Durham, “Jolly Green”, In Country, Flying Fish

  • Country Joe McDonald, “Agent Orange Song”, Vietnam Experience, Rag Baby/One Way

  • Michael McCann, “The Wall”, Soldiers’ Songs, independent

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  • John Gorka, “Let Them In”, The Company You Keep, Red House

Check out Michael McCann’s Web page www.soldierssongs.com