As this is Veterans Day, I thought I would just offer my salute to those who have served the country bravely and heroically with the amazing "Battle Hymn of the Republic". The song, with lyrics by American writer Julia Ward Howe using the music from the song "John Brown's Body", was written in November 1861 and first published in 'The Atlantic Monthly' in February 1862. I chose this version by the great Odetta, off her 1959 album, 'My Eyes Have Seen'. This is the "Battle Hymn of the Republic".
As it is Memorial Day Weekend, I thought it would be perfect to start off Sunday with a bit of inspirational Judy Garland. I know, many of you are saying that whenever Judy sang it was an inspiring event, which might very well be true. However, there were times when it was more so than others, and I have to think that when Judy dedicated here performance of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" to her friend John F. Kennedy, the President of the United States of America and her good friend, there was that certain bit of something in the air that night. Enjoy as Judy sings this great song.
It cannot be denied that when Judy was on her game, it was tough to compete with her as a live performer. And while Judy is being all patriotic, how about this very sweet recording of her singing "America The Beautiful" on a 1964 episode of 'The Judy Garland Show'. And if any woman can sing a song with a five o'clock shadow and still sound beautiful, it would be Judy!
Enjoy the holiday, and don't forget to remember all how have given their lives in defense of the nation, and thank those who have served in the armed forces.
