About 10 years ago, my wife had a community choir here in Santa Maria, CA. I did whatever I could to help the group from putting up risers and selling tickets to occasionally singing a song.
One summer, she asked if I would like to do a song at a Veteran's Day concert the group was having in early November. I said I would, but I wanted to pick the song. I wanted to do I'll Be Home For Christmas.
I'll Be Home For Christmas had always been a favorite of mine during the holidays, and I wanted to know more about when and why it was written. Doing some research, I learned that the song was written in 1943 and America was involved in WWII. This song was written from the perspective of the American GI, being away from their loved ones during the Holidays.
For many, this would have been their first time away from home. Like my dad. He was one of the brave young men who serve in WWII. I then started to think about the men and women currently serving in the Armed Forces today, and felt this song needed a second verse. The following was co-written with my late wife:
They'll be home for Christmas
But in case they're not
Say a prayer, hold them near
And keep them in your thoughts
Christmas Eve may find them
Far away from home
Let them know they're needed
And that they're not alone.
Merry Christmas, from my family to yours.
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