Johnny Vet: Freedom Isn't Free A Veteran's Musical Journey Through History

A Veteran’s Musical Journey through History

SOUVENIR BOOKLET

Presenting A New Musical Review

Johnny Vet: Freedom Isn’t Free A Veteran’s Musical Journey Through History Book

Douglas A. Cohn & Alan B. Salisbury Original Music

Frederic C. Gray III and Alan B. Salisbury Orchestrations & Arrangements

Stephen Aber, Gary Fitzgerald and Frederic C. Gray III Director

Terry Ryan Music Director

Nancy Riley Executive Producer

Alan B. Salisbury

From the Executive Producer Welcome to “Johnny Vet: Freedom Isn’t Free.” Johnny is the “Everyman” of veterans throughout the 240-plus years of American history, although there is nothing common or ordinary about Johnny Vet. He (she) is a hero of every generation of Americans. Today, in particular, Johnny represents the less-than-one-percent of Americans who raise their hand to voluntarily put their lives on the line to defend the precious freedom that 100% of Americans enjoy. That freedom, as the show title highlights, comes at a price which Johnny and his family have been paying, and continue to pay, on our behalf.

The good news is that, unlike my generation’s experience during the Vietnam War, Americans today widely support our troops, as we can see on countless bumper stickers and through bursts of applause in airports as men and women in uniform pass through. Like beauty, however, that support is generally skin deep. This is not out of apathy, but more out of ignorance because most Americans have no one in their family serving and, moreover, do not even know anyone who is serving or has served recently. The growing civilian-military divide makes it extremely difficult for Americans to understand what service members, veterans, and their families endure through long deployments, multiple moves, hardship living, and the ultimate agony of friends and family members becoming casualty statistics. This reality is summed up simply as “service and sacrifice.”

“Johnny Vet: Freedom Isn’t Free” seeks to tell the story of Johnny (and Jane) through music, and, in a small way, works to bridge that civilian-military divide. Music has the power to capture and impart emotion which is critical to Johnny’s story. The musical selections that comprise this show are intended to reflect the mood and spirit of the American people that provided the backdrop against which Johnny and Jane went off to war in each of our major conflicts, from the Revolutionary War through the current War on Terror. That spirit has not always been one of unity, as both the Civil War and the Vietnam War vividly demonstrate. The selected music of these two periods portrays the vast divides across our nation that provide a context necessary to understanding what Johnny and Jane experienced, and endured, in addition to the agonies of war.

We hope you enjoy this show, because it is, first and foremost, intended to be entertaining. But it also carries a clear message conveyed through the recurring theme of “freedom isn’t free.”

Through the combination of music, images, videos, and stage action, the price that Johnny Vet pays to defend our freedom should become clearer. Finally, the “take away” beyond greater understanding and awareness is that the 99% who benefit from the service and sacrifice of the 1% have a responsibility to do their share by providing meaningful support to our troops, veterans and military families and by working to make their communities, and the nation, stronger.

Prologue Testament of Freedom: A four movement work for men's chorus by Randall Thompson based on the actual written words of Thomas Jefferson. First published in 1944. The first five notes are thought to musically intone the name "Thomas Jefferson." For the Johnny Vet: Freedom Isn’t Free production, excerpts from the first and fourth movements are performed, proclaiming the God given source of liberty.

Freedom! Liberty! The words of Thomas Jefferson leap off the pages of history and echo for all time. The longing for freedom became the driving force that Jefferson would craft into our Declaration of Independence. The declaration began the revolution, and the common man soon became the common soldier who was driven to face musket ball and cannon shot to realize the dream of freedom through self-government.

In the centuries to come, America’s light of democracy would burn increasingly brighter. The Liberty Bell rang for freedom – freedom for Americans and freedom for the people on the shores they left behind.

This is the story of those who fought those fights and helped to build the United States of America. Johnny Vet was the common man (and woman), the uncommon soldier and hero, and the extraordinary citizen in America’s history.

Revolutionary War Americans were a new people in a new land coveting a new nation, a nation free to freshly advance the ideas of the founding fathers. While some loyalists stayed true to the King, many colonists were aroused by leaders such as the pamphleteer Thomas Paine, who proclaimed, “I consider independence as America's natural right and interest....” And so, young Johnny Vet, along with other militiamen between the ages of 16 and 60 answered the call on April 19, 1775, first on Lexington Green and then at Concord Bridge where Johnny Vet would fire the “shot heard round the world.”

Our history begins on the chilly evening the night before when Paul Revere and other riders awoke the Boston countryside to announce the Redcoats were coming….. war was coming. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow would tell the tale in an epic poem.

With the Revolution underway, the Second Continental Congress authorized the creation of a Continental Army under the command of a former surveyor, farmer, and part-time soldier, George Washington. Johnny Vet was one of thousands of men from all 13 colonies-turnedstates who signed on for one to three-year enlistments. Many battles would be fought and mostly lost in the ensuing months and years that Thomas Paine would call “the times that tried men’s souls.” Johnny Vet and his ragtag compatriots suffered through freezing winters and blistering summers, often with barely enough food and clothing to stay alive; but the leadership of General Washington kept them together and in the field, for he, and they, understood survival meant victory. Even some women, including the likes of Molly Pitcher, endured the elements to support the cause. While they suffered, their families faced their

own hardships at home longing for loved ones who might never return, for, in the words of John Milton, “They also serve who only stand and wait.”

Revolutionary War Era Music Midnight Ride of Paul Revere: Paul Revere's Ride is a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow that commemorates the actions of Paul Revere on April 18, 1775. The poem has historical inaccuracies. Spoken by the landlord of Wayside Inn, Revere directs his friends to put signal lanterns in the Old North Church to inform him if the British will attack by land or sea. He would then ride through Middlesex County. The ride was actually done by three riders whose names are lost to history. Although not actually a musical composition, for the Johnny Vet production we have chosen to perform it as a RAP number (with a nod to the musical “Hamilton”).

Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier: Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier is an English folk song. The lyrics lament the sacrifices that men and women make in going off to war. Men serve; women sacrifice their men and sell goods to buy military supplies. The folk song was popular throughout the American Revolutionary War.

War of 1812 With the Treaty of Paris in 1783, America achieved its dream of independence. America’s first veterans, our revolutionary war soldiers, were rewarded with a modest pension beginning with the new Congress in 1789. The ensuing post-revolution peace was not without incidents and trials for the new nation, and our freedom would once again be challenged.

Although Britannia ruled the seas, President James Madison found it necessary in 1812 to confront America’s grievances with Great Britain and continue the Revolution by invading Canada. With a mere 7,000-man Army and 20-ship Navy, however, never was the nation more unprepared for war. When state militias were called up, New England states who were opposed to the war spurned the call until Napoleon was defeated in 1814 and the full weight of British power fell on the United States. Other state militias had refused to fight outside their states or take part in the forlorn invasions of Canada. But the militias did perform well in defense, conspicuously at the Battle of New Orleans, fought after the peace was signed, and at Fort McHenry, a victory Francis Scott Key immortalized in “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

War of 1812 Music Star Spangled Banner (National Anthem): The lyrics come from "Defence of Fort McHenry", a poem written on September 14, 1814, by the 35-year-old lawyer and amateur poet Francis Scott Key after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry by British ships of the Royal Navy in Baltimore Harbor during the Battle of Baltimore in the War of 1812. Key was inspired by the large American flag, the Star-Spangled Banner, flying triumphantly above the fort during the American victory.

The poem was set to the tune of a popular British song written by John Stafford Smith for the Anacreontic Society, a men's social club in London. "To Anacreon in Heaven" (or "The Anacreontic Song"), with various lyrics, was already popular in the United States. Set to Key's poem and renamed "The Star-Spangled Banner", it soon became a well-known American patriotic song prior to its adoption as our National Anthem.

Civil War The Constitution of 1787, the result of necessary compromise, left some critical issues for the new nation unsettled. The evil of slavery needed to be extinguished, but by 1861, President Lincoln was not ready to go to war over it. As a result, he would contest secession, but not, at the beginning, slavery, and our worst war would be fought over independence and union.

Seven states of the Deep South initially seceded, while four states of the Upper South voted against secession. It was only when force was used that the Upper South states reversed their votes and more than doubled the Confederacy’s population and army, ensuring a long and costly war. Millions of troops were involved, the vast majority of whom were volunteers.

Women served on both sides, mostly as non-uniformed caregivers for the wounded. When the last shot was fired, more than 600,000 soldiers and sailors and untold numbers of civilians had died in America’s bloodiest war. The Southern soldier believed he was fighting in the spirit of his Revolutionary War forefathers, while the Northern soldier was heeding the president’s call to preserve the Union. In the end, slavery was dealt a mortal blow.

Families and friendships were rent asunder. Few of those in the ranks could comprehend how their leaders had led them into this fratricidal war. Yet, as so often before, Johnny Vet bravely stood to the bugle’s call and endured the hell on earth that is war.

Civil War Era Music When Johnny Comes Marching Home: A very popular song of the Civil War, "When Johnny Comes Marching Home" was sung by both sides. Registered in 1863 with the Library of Congress, the lyricist Patrick Gilmore is said to have written the song for his sister whose fiancée was an artillery captain, John O'Rourke.

For Bales: The song "For Bales" is the same melody as "When Johnny Comes Marching Home" and first registered with the Library of Congress in 1863. The "For Bales" history appears to have been lost to time but may refer to the role of cotton in some of the battles in New Orleans.

Rally ‘Round the Flag: The "Battle Cry of Freedom", also known as "Rally 'Round the Flag", is a song written in 1862 by American composer George Frederick Root (1820–1895) during the American Civil War. A patriotic song advocating the causes of Unionism and abolitionism, it became so popular that composer H. L. Schreiner and lyricist W. H. Barnes adapted it for the Confederacy.

Bonnie Blue Flag: Also known as "We Are A Band of Brothers," it is a marching song performed first in 1861. Both sides had versions of the song during the Civil War. The reference to "Band of Brothers" is a strong statement of caring for your fellow warriors.

Tramp, Tram, Tramp: The alternate title to this song is "The Prisoner's Hope." One of the most popular songs of the Civil War it was published in 1864 by George Root. Written from the prisoner's point of view, it is a song of hope that freedom shall be soon regained.

Yellow Rose of Texas: Considered one of the top 100 Western songs of all-time, the song was first published in 1853. The original lyrics were racially insensitive and evolved over the years with the song being a number one hit by Mitch Miller in 1955 and was used in the movie, "Giant."

Eating Goober Peas: A popular folk song with Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. It refers to daily life late in the war when there was little to eat but boiled peanuts, known as "goober peas."

Tenting on the Old Campground: "Tenting on the Old Camp Ground" (also known as Tenting Tonight) was a popular song during the American Civil War. A particular favorite of enlisted men in the Union army, it was written in 1863 by Walter Kittredge and first performed in that year at Old High Rock, Lynn, Massachusetts.

Dixie: More correctly referred to as "I Wish I Was in Dixie," the song is credited with referring to the Southern United States as Dixie. A favorite song of Abraham Lincoln, reportedly, General Grant asked the song to be played at the surrender at Appomattox. The song can be viewed as controversial today but has strong historic ties to a difficult time in our country's development.

Battle Hymn of the Republic: The "Battle Hymn of the Republic", also known as "Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory" outside of the United States, is a song by the American writer Julia Ward Howe using the music from the song "John Brown's Body." Howe’s more famous lyrics were written in November 1861, and first published in The Atlantic Monthly in February 1862. The song links the judgment of the wicked with the American Civil War. Since that time, it has become an extremely popular and well-known American patriotic song.

World War I When the world went mad in 1914, and the slaughter of trench warfare and the use of gas shocked the leaders who had inflicted this human catastrophe upon so many millions of people, those leaders turned to blockades in hopes of ending the fighting. The United States had attempted to remain neutral, but was caught up by the blockades. After on-again, off-again submarine attacks that cost American lives, Germany sought an alliance with Mexico, and the United States declared war in 1917. In the words of President Woodrow Wilson, the world “must be made safe for democracy.” Once again with the nation unprepared, more than a year would pass before General John Pershing and the American Expeditionary Force landed in France in strength. This time, with fewer than 100,000 volunteering for a force that would eventually number nearly two and a half million, the nation had to institute a draft to fill the ranks. For the first time, America allowed women to serve overseas as nurses, but without rank.

Also for the first time, the Navy and Marine Corps allowed women to enlist and serve in nonnursing roles while the Army remained all male. What followed was the costliest four months of warfare in the nation’s history. More than 100,000 U.S. soldiers died and double that number were wounded. The war was won; the peace would be lost, and Johnny Vet, the common soldier, paid the price. Later, in 1924, Congress would pass the World War Adjusted Compensation Act (or Bonus Act) in response to a strong American Legion effort to overcome heavy political resistance. Even President Coolidge opined that “Patriotism, bought and paid for, is not patriotism.” The music of the era captured the many different sentiments.

World War I Era Music There’s a Long, Long Train A-Winding: Written by seniors at Yale in their dorm room in 1913, the song. The song became popular with soldiers dreaming of returning home from War. K-K-K-Katy: Written by Canadian American composer Geoffrey O'Hara in 1917, it was referred to as the "stammering" song. The song is about a lovesick soldier buying a ring for the beautiful Katy before shipping out to fight in France.

It’s a Long Way to Tipperary: "It's A Long Way to Tipperary" is a British song written in 1912.

Very popular among soldiers in WWI, the lyrics reference signs in the County of Tipperary that declare, "You've come a long, long way . . " The British Army picked up the song from the Irish Connaught Rangers who used it as a marching song.

Till We Meet Again: "Till We Meet Again" was written in 1918 during the Great War. Sometimes called, "Smile Awhile," the song tells of the parting of a soldier and his sweetheart, pertinent in all military service.

Mademoiselle from Armentieres: Considered a risqué song popular during WWI, the credit for writing the song is controversial. The melody appears to go back to the 1830's in France and has been resurrected over and over in various settings including movies.

My Buddy (Nights Are Long): Curiously, this song "My Buddy" is associated with World War I but was not written by Gus Kahn and Walter Donaldson until 1922. The meaning of the song

remains vague, often associated with two close friends, one who was killed or a spouse pining for her soldier.

Over There: George M. Cohan wrote "Over There" in 1917 to motivate young American men to enlist and fight the "Hun." Introduced at a Red Cross benefit in NYC, it became the most popular song of the WWI era. The chorus phrase, "The Yanks are coming" refers to US military responding to threats to freedom in Europe. It was popular in both wars and has seen resurgence during the Global War on Terror.

World War II The Versailles Treaty ending World War I imposed a harsh peace on the vanquished that inflamed passions and led to the rise of fascism and another world war in 1939. But Americans once again turned to isolationism, leaving France under Nazi domination and Britain on the verge of collapse. Only the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941, finally brought the United States into the conflict.

Although once again unready for war, the protection of two oceans bought us time, and industrial might brought strength. Building on the World War I Selective Service system, some 10 million Americans eventually were drafted and trained. U.S. forces in the Pacific were initially forced back to Australia. Then, six months later, our outnumbered Navy won the

Battle of Midway, a stunning victory recognized by British Prime Minister Winston Churchill: "The annals of war at sea present no more intense, heart-shaking shock than this battle, in which the qualities of the United States Navy and Air Force and the American race shone forth in splendour. The bravery and self-devotion of the American airmen and sailors and the nerve and skill of their leaders was the foundation of all." Marines did likewise, beginning at Guadalcanal. The Army and Air Corps soon proved their mettle around the globe, especially on D-Day, June 6, 1944, a model battle of complexity and courage so daring that it nearly failed. That December brought an even larger test in what was called the Battle of the Bulge, the biggest, costliest battle Americans ever fought. In all, the war was so big, and so complex, that combatants could do little more than focus on the enemy in front of them. This they did so well that they were dubbed “The Greatest Generation.” Beyond their stunning success in war, Johnny Vet and his millions of fellow veterans would come home to rebuild and reshape an increasingly prosperous nation and, in the process, reshape the world under American leadership as the champions of freedom.

World War II Era Music This Is the Army Mr. Jones: The musical comedy film, "This Is the Army," used Irving Belin's (a veteran) 1942 Broadway musical liberally. The song musically informs Army recruits that their days of leisure are now over under new rules. Belin's WWII all-soldier revue was an immense success in raising money for the war effort and touring world-wide.

Wing and a Prayer: The song was written by the team of Adamson and McHugh and published in 1943. The song speaks of a damaged warplane that can barely limp back to base. The song later inspired a movie released in 1944.

Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition: Frank Loesser published the song in 1942 about a chaplain (a "sky pilot") aboard the USS New Orleans during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Chaplain Forgy organized a bucket brigade to move ammunition to defend the ships due to lack of electrical power. The phrase he invoked praising God motivated then men to continue their efforts despite the situation.

Remember Pearl Harbor: Written by Don Reid and recorded by Sammy Kaye only ten days after the December 7th, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, the song reflects on how the country will never forget the unprovoked attack that resulted in a huge loss of life.

White Cliffs of Dover: "There'll Be Bluebirds Over, the White Cliffs of Dover was composed in 1941 by Walter Kent. The song refers to Royal Air Force and Royal Canadian Air Force pilots (blue uniforms) who were defending Britain. It is a song of confidence that they would prevail in the air war over the cliffs of Dover.

Korean War On the heels of Allied victory in World War II an “Iron Curtain” of Communism came down over Eastern Europe and blocked the light of freedom. It soon engulfed China, North Korea, and North Vietnam as well, and a new Cold War began. Despite this emerging Communist threat, the United States reduced its combat divisions from 89 at the end of World War II to just 10 by 1950. So, once again, as in every previous war, America was unprepared when the Soviet- trained North Korean Army invaded South Korea in June of 1950.

Following a number of early setbacks, General MacArthur launched a bold counteroffensive behind the North Koreans at Inchon and destroyed their army. When U.N. forces nearly overran most of North Korea, the Chinese intervened, surrounding the U.S. 1st Marine Division which had to fight its way out in the face of freezing weather that was nearly as cruel as the enemy.

The war ended where it began on the 38th Parallel. Like the War of 1812, it was a no-win, nolose war, but at a much higher cost in casualties.

For Johnny and Jane Vet, the Korean War was a different war. They were outnumbered, fighting in temperatures of 30 degrees below zero or worse, and against an enemy who was allowed to retreat and resupply in safe havens. Territory was gained and lost, inch by inch by the “grunts” on the ground, while an air war raged above them and naval forces provided bombardments from off-shore.

It did resemble WWII in one respect. A face familiar to every G.I. soon appeared on the scene, just as he had a few years earlier in both the European and Pacific theaters. Although he couldn’t bring the troops home, Bob Hope brought a little piece of home to the troops.

Korean War Era Music Thanks for the Memories: "Thanks for the Memory" (1938) is a popular song, with music composed by Ralph Rainger and lyrics by Leo Robin. It was introduced in the 1938 film The Big Broadcast of 1938 by Bob Hope and Shirley Ross. Bob Hoper later adopted it as his theme song.

For the scene in Johnny Vet, original lyrics were written as a tribute to Bob Hope.

Rag Mop: "Rag Mop" was a popular American song of the late 1940s-early 1950s. The song, a 12-bar blues, was written by Tulsa Western Swing bandleader Johnnie Lee Wills and steel guitarist Deacon Anderson and published in 1949. Considered a novelty song, the lyrics consisted mostly of spelling out the title of the song; because of the spelling used in the song, it is sometimes referred to as "Ragg Mopp".

Vietnam War The Korean War foreshadowed the parameters of the Vietnam War. It would be a limited war with limited boundaries, another war of containment. Communism had proved to be a failed concept that survives only with external support or aggressive expansion. When contained, it has failed.

Beginning in the early 1960’s, American advisors sought to help the South Vietnamese Army, the ARVN, stave off South Vietnamese Communist Viet Cong, who were later bolstered and virtually supplanted by North Vietnamese Army (NVA) regulars. With numerous changes of South Vietnamese government and military leadership, America soon realized it would have to take on a combat role, initially with air support and increasingly with large numbers of ground troops. The Communist Tet Offensive in early 1968 was, for the Communists, a military disaster but a political victory as increasing casualties, an unpopular draft, misinformation, and strategic missteps caused a political backlash in America. Ultimately, this lack of political will to stay the course, even as a new strategy of “clear and hold” was proving to be a potential game-changer, led to the American withdrawal before the job was done.

The music of the era reflected many of these complex sentiments. Although more than 58,000 soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen gave their lives in the last full measure of devotion, their sacrifice was overshadowed by a nation-wide cacophony of chants and protests. Through all of this, Johnny Vet stoically did his constitutional duty, obeying the orders of the civilian leadership. In contrast with other wars, Johnny Vet never received his “Welcome Home,” leaving the scars of war unhealed for so many who had given so much.

They are still visible today on the street corners of America and in veteran suicide statistics.

Vietnam War Era Songs Where Have All the Flowers Gone: Pete Seeger wrote this modern folk-style song in 1955.

Peter, Paul and Mary released the song via an album in 1962. Known as a circular song, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2002 in the folk category. During the Vietnam era, the song was considered a protest song lamenting the loss of so many young men and women in an unpopular conflict. The West Point Alumni Glee Club sings the song in honor of those soldiers who gave their lives in Vietnam.

Aquarius: One of the most popular songs worldwide in 1969, the song is paired in medley with "Let the Sunshine In." Written in 1967 for the musical, "Hair," the song alludes to an age of love, light and humanity reached at a certain astrological time. Musically the song reminds the listener of the times of the 60's, hippies, opposition to the Vietnam War, and free love.

Draft Dodger Rag: The song is a satirical anti-war song written by Phil Ochs. The song lists virtually every malady that would disqualify a soldier from conscription. While humorous, the song is powerful in pointing out the dilemma of many who had to choose between serving as ordered or avoiding service, known as dodging.

Last Train to Clarksville: The "Last Train to Clarksville" was written by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart and sung by the Monkeys. Often thought to refer to a town in Tennessee near Fort Campbell (erroneously), the song was interpreted in the Vietnam era, as perhaps the last opportunity for a soldier being deployed to SE Asia to see the girl he loved at the train station.

Leaving On A Jet Plane: John Denver wrote "Leaving On A Jet Plane" in 1966. Peter, Paul and Mary made the song famous, rising as their only Number 1 song on the Billboard charts.

Soldiers often see the song as a lament about deploying and the prospect of their safe return.

Ballad of the Green Berets: One of a few positive military songs of the Vietnam era, the song became Billboard's Number 1 single of the year in 1966. Written by Staff Sergeant Barry Sadler, a special forces medic, it was intended to honor US Army Specialist James Gabriel, the first Hawaiian to die in Vietnam.

We’ve Got to Get Out of This Place: "We've Got to Get Out Of This Place" is a rock song written

by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. The Animals recorded the song in 1965. It rapidly became a popular theme song of GIs serving in the Vietnam War. Every band entertaining the troops had to play the song as a statement that soldiers wanted to "return to the world!"

Bridge Over Troubled Water: Released in 1970, the song is by Simon and Garfunkel. Composed

by Paul Simon, the song is heavily influenced by gospel music. In 1971, the song won a Grammy as Song of the Year. The WPAGC incorporates the song in the Vietnam Medley as a promise to all veterans that they will get the help they need.

Global War on Terror Today, America, along with the entire Western world, is engaged in a war unlike any we have ever fought, that we have come to call the Global War on Terror. It began with the infamous 9/11, 2001 attack against the World Trade Center buildings, the Pentagon, and White House- bound United Flight 93 that killed more than 3,000 innocent civilians representing dozens of nationalities. The free world rallied to America’s defense and for the first time, NATO’s “an attack on one is an attack on all” clause was invoked.

9/11 was perpetrated by Al-Qaeda, a radical Islamic terrorist group who had found safe haven in Afghanistan, thanks to the Islamic fundamentalist Taliban who had risen to power following the defeat of a Russian invasion. A U.S.-backed offensive in Afghanistan quickly overthrew the Taliban and captured or disbursed the Al-Qaeda fanatics. America’s attention shifted to Iraq in 2003, when a U.S. invasion ousted the dictator Saddam Hussein. Some members of his disbanded army along with other terrorists formed the Islamic State, or ISIS, an even more senselessly barbaric force than Al-Qaeda. These organizations of radical Islamic terrorists have become the enemy.

On a cultural front, the war on terror must be fought within Islam to help its adherents reclaim their religion as a “religion of peace.” On a military front, the Islamic State and its hard-core radical extremists must simply be eradicated.

This is the war that men and increasing numbers of women are fighting today, a multidimensional war of freedom versus tyranny. America’s young warriors are rising to meet a host of new challenges and roles. Johnny Vet and Jane are more than up to the task.

America has now been at war continuously for going on 16 years. Johnny Vet and Jane are being repeatedly sent into harm’s way for combat tour after combat tour. No draft compels them to do this. They volunteer to serve and re-up to serve yet again. We could borrow the words of thanks Winston Churchill expressed after the Royal Air Force defeated the Nazi’s in the WWII Battle of Britain: “Never was so much owed by so many to so few.”

Our all-volunteer force represents less than one-half of one percent of the American people. They, and their families who wait at home, bear the burden of keeping America free. May God bless them all.

Since 1952, those relatively few Americans who wear the uniform of the United States have been bound by a “Code of Conduct.” The Code of Conduct consists of six articles guiding behavior in peace and war. In the first article, our service men and women pledge that they are prepared to give their lives in our defense. What a profound commitment! It is quite literally a blank check, payable up to and including the last full measure of devotion.

What do we, the other 99 percent of Americans who benefit from their service and sacrifice, owe these selfless Americans in return? One answer is that we, the 99 percent, can commit to support them, not with just a bumper sticker that says, “Support Our Troops,” but with a set of six meaningful promises that we will live by, in the form of a counterpart “Code of Support” for our troops, our veterans and our military families. At the very least, we owe them all our Six…….Simple…..Promises…..

Our musical journey through history is coming to an end. We have seen, and heard, how Johnny Vet and Jane gave us our freedom in 1775 and have been called on many, many times since then to preserve that freedom.

As the War on Terror continues, Americans cannot simply leave the full burden of defending freedom to this precious few. The Code of Support commits us all to do our share, not by donning a uniform and picking up a rifle, but by providing meaningful, material support to our troops, veterans and military families in whatever way is right for each of us, and by actively serving in some role within our communities. Strong communities build a strong nation.

Together, we can do our share as a powerful “Team 99,” supporting our troops every step of the way.

The threat to our freedom is real and ever-present. Will America respond as we must? Let th Today, America seeks no empire, no territory, no domination of others. In the 20 century, our wars were fought to defeat or contain aggression, after which America’s massive economic and humanitarian support for the vanquished marked a world-changing milestone unmatched in human history. Rejecting isolationism and unpreparedness, America has embraced the concept of peace through strength with the founding of NATO, the greatest alliance for peace in the history of the world. We may yet stumble, but America and its Armed Forces are unquestionably forces for good, endowed with the means and motivation to ensure peace.

The indispensable element in this is the human element, the men and women in uniform certain of the righteousness, rightness, and nobleness of their nation’s cause, a nation worthy of their sacrifices. For it is Johnny Vet and Jane, and their families as well, who understand more than any of us, that freedom… isn’t… free.

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