Remembrance to the true Heroes

 

My dad, who was born in Barry’s Bay, On. In 1913, was part of the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Regiment and, maybe, he’s in this photo…I should look at it more closely later on. He fought for Canada during the 2nd World War, was part of the Liberation of Holland and was in one of the final battles in the Reischwald Forest where he was wounded near the end of the war. I have spoken bout what my mom went through but not my daddy as much. I would have asked him a lot more questions if he didn’t pass when I was only 23. I wish I could go back in time or go to a holodeck to talk to him but, alas, I can’t. Remembrance Day is this Saturday to commemorate the 11th month of the 11th day of the 11th hour when the First World War ended and I thought I would add 3 songs that are all unique but all were big in their day. I’m joining the Monday Music Moves Me which is freebie week.

1. IN FLANDER’S FIELDS-ORIGINALLY FROM 1915

This is a world famous poem written by Canadian, John McCrea, a doctor who wrote this after he lost his good friend, Alexis Helmer, during the battle of Ypres in 1915. When he noticed how the poppies sprouted around the graves of the Canadians he felt compelled to write this poem. Unfortunately, he died of pneumonia in 1918 but his poem lives on in every school since that time. I memorized it along with millions of other kids past and present. In 1917, American Charles Ives, put these words to music in 1917.

2. LILI MARLENE SUNG BY LALE ANDERSEN-1939

This became a huge hit all over the world, not just the Germans. A version 45 was found by Allied forces and they started playing it and it took off. It got translated from German into English, French, etc., etc, etc…. This, too, was based on a poem written in 1915 by Hans Leip with music by Norbert Schultz and made very famous by this gal whom I never knew about until now. I have to read more about this lady. 

3. DER FUHRER’S FACE SUNG BY THIS FUN FILM GROUP-1942

The film group who sings this song are Hank Mann, William Irving, Heinie Conklin and Joe Polska with  “Snub” Pollard as the waiter. It became famous by Spike Jones but I just liked this film bit and thought it was funny.

What song can you think of that commemorates these true heroes?