Service, Not Self

Music

American patriotic music is a part of the culture and history of the United States since its founding in the 18th century and has served to encourage feelings of honor for the country’s forefathers and for national unity.  These songs include hymns, military themes, national songs, and music from stage and screen, as well as songs adapted from poems. (Wikipedia)

There are many ways your unit can participate in music.

  • Open and close your meetings with a song
  • Include music to all ceremonies
  • Sponsor a student band by purchasing sheet music, lessons, or instruments
  • Invite choral groups, soloists, bands, trios to entertain at unit meetings and special occasions
  • Host 2 players for TAPS on Memorial Day ceremonies
  • Participate or sponsor a sing-a-long for hospitalized veterans.

Music is a great way to communicate.  Don’t limit your thoughts to just those above.

Buy The American Legion Patriotic Music CD from Emblem Sales http://emblem.legion.org/Patrioitic-Music-CD/productinfo/755.403/

Link to patriotic songs: http://michalaux.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Patriotic-Songs.pdf


Protocol of order for medley of U.S. Service Songs

Each branch of our military service has its own official song which is a part of its heritage as well as an anthem to rally behind.  When played in medley form, the Department of Defense has directed an order of youngest to oldest.  Below is the most familiar verse of each song.  More history and verses are included in the link to patriotic songs listed above.  The order is: U.S. Coast Guard, U. S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U. S. Army.

Coast Guard “Semper Paratus”-(Always Ready)

We’re always ready for the call, We place our trust in Thee. Through howling gale and shot and shell, To win our victory. “Semper Paratus” is our guide, Our pledge, our motto, too. We’re “Always Ready,” do or die! Aye! Coast Guard, we fight for you.

Air Force-“Off We Go Into The Wild Blue Yonder”

“Off we go into the wild blue yonder, Climbing high into the sun; Here they come zooming to meet our thunder, At ’em boys, Give ‘er the gun! (Give ‘er the gun now!) Down we dive, spouting our flame from under, Off with one helluva roar! We live in fame or go down in flame. Hey! Nothing’ll stop the U.S. Air Force!”

Navy “Anchors Aweigh”

Anchors Aweigh, my boys, Anchors Aweigh. Farewell to college joys, we sail at break of day-ay-ay-ay. Through our last night on shore, drink to the foam, Until we meet once more. Here’s wishing you a happy voyage home

Marine Corps. “Marines’ Hymn”

From the Halls of Montezuma, To the Shores of Tripoli; We fight our country’s battles In the air, on land, and sea; First to fight for right and freedom And to keep our honor clean; We are proud to claim the title Of UNITED STATES MARINES.

Army “The Army goes Rolling Along”

First to fight for the right, And to build the Nation’s might, And The Army Goes Rolling Along Proud of all we have done, Fighting till the battle’s done, And the Army Goes Rolling Along.
{Refrain:} Then it’s Hi! Hi! Hey! The Army’s on its way. Count off the cadence loud and strong, For where e’er we go, You will always know That The Army Goes Rolling Along.