Rugged Stuff
Some Give All
By R. Keith Rugg, 7-07-09
 Feel like supporting the women and men who serve our country? The USO can provide tips on how to do it. |
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Over the Independence Day holiday weekend, I happened upon a syndicated country music program playing on one of Missoula’s country stations early on Sunday morning.
I’ve spent several July 4th evenings over the past few years watching the Lake Tahoe South Shore fireworks, which are synchronized to a musical program broadcast on the community’s local radio station. Toby Keith is the main country music contributor to the musical line-up, which is fine with me. But the radio program that I listened to this past Sunday was a great reminder of so many of the other patriotic songs in the Country and Western repertoire.
One song that caught my attention in particular was Billy Ray Cyrus’ “Some Gave All.” I have always liked Billy Ray Cyrus, from the first time I heard “Achy Breaky Heart,” despite his goofy haircut. I still like him today, despite his goofy facial hair.
One thing that puts me in his corner is his attitude.
“I’m the first guy to admit I’m not the best singer in the business. I don’t write the best songs. But for better and worse, I am true to myself and my own instincts—sometimes to a fault. Whatever else I may be, at least I’m real.”
But the main reason I’m a Billy Ray fan goes back to that song that I heard again this past weekend. “Some Gave All” is one of the best patriotic and memorial songs out there.
While his song speaks perhaps to a specific time, I think of it in a broad sense, remembering those who did give some- those, both in and out of uniform, who have contributed to the cause of freedom- and remembering those who did give all… such as Pfc. Justin A. Casillas, 19, of Dunnigan, Calif., and Pfc. Aaron E. Fairbairn, 20, of Aberdeen, Wash., who died July 4 when attacked at Combat Outpost Zerok in Afghanistan.
The fireworks are over and the patriotic radio shows done for the time being. But the next time you hear a patriotic song on the country station- Billy Ray Cyrus, Toby Keith, Willie Nelson, Brooks & Dunn, Aaron Tippin or whoever- stop for a minute and give a thought of thanks to those who do give some and to those who do give all in the name of freedom and independence.
THANX FOR THE STORY, SHORT AND TO THE POINT. AND A VERY GOOD POINT. THANKS TO ALL THOSE WHO GAVE SOME AND MANY MANY THANKS AND PRAYERS TO THOSE WHO GAVE ALL.
Comment By Bill Croke, 7-07-09Nice piece. A good cause. Keep it up. Good luck.
Comment By jwscotch, 7-08-09I received this yesterday from a Vietnam Vet.
A mad General just telling the truth
I just heard, on the radio, that the United States House of
Representatives has observed a moment of silence in honor of Michael
Jackson.....
Son of a bitch!!!!
Setting aside all of the allegations regarding his molestation of young
men/boys, what has he ever contributed towards the lasting history of
America that warrants such recognition??
In comparison, when was the last time that the Pelosie (I hope that I have
misspelled that bitch's name) led and dominated House of Representative
observed such a moment in the memory of a fallen member of the United
States military....like a recipient of the Medal of Honor ??
Further, can any of you tell me when, or how many, of our gallant military
have been recognized by the House of Representatives for heroic actions?
Let's start with the award of the Medal of Honor.....
How long will we tolerate this BS !! Watch your ass America !!!
Bruce R. Harris
LTG, USA (Ret)
How many held their hats over their hearts on the fourth in grave remembrance of the many young lives we have spent trying to jam our way of life down the throats of third-worlders?--or
ensuring there were sufficient raw materials available in third-world countries for our corporate oligarchs..?
For those that might have forgotten, that last post was made, I believe, by the same fellow who called me a liar about the wolves killing my family's dogs. Just to keep things in perspective.
Comment By d, 7-08-09jedediah:
the respect that i show for those who gave something to their country be it time of service, an injury, or an untimely death is neither dependent or jaded by the political crap from either party. when i stood on the 4th before the fireworks for the national anthem my thoughts and reflections were on the sacrifices.
try and focus your sarcasm and blame gaem on the politicians like pelosi, reid, bush, clinton, obama, and the like.
dont denigrate the fallen, the lame, and those willing to serve with misdirected comments.
"when i stood on the 4th before the fireworks for the national anthem my thoughts and reflections were on the sacrifices."
I've got no problem with that d, but I want you to keep it straight in your head for what they were sacrificed.
I'm betting you're still confusing them with the kids back in the early twentieth century who were being sacrificed for something they and we could still be proud of...
Jedediah, Pathetic. "Skanky", to use a word you're thinking about today.
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