Three months later, I woke up with a song idea for the Vietnam veterans. After four days of writing and rewriting, the words to "I Want to Thank You" were finally birthed.In April of 1999, my husband and I met with a friend of ours who has since passed away, Col. William Barber (Ret.), Congressional Medal of Honor recipient for his leadership in the Korean War at Chosin Reservoir. At that meeting, we asked him if this "song" was a good thing for the Vietnam vets - was it helpful to the purpose of encouraging and thanking them? He believed that it was, and sent me off to construct a melody that was neither "too happy, nor a dirge." When the music was finished, Col. Barber put me in touch with Mr. John Lynch, then president of the Orange County Vietnam Veterans, chapter 785. On Col. Barber's recommendation, Mr. Lynch invited me to sing my song at the Nixon Library, as part of the events for the annual convention of the Vietnam Veterans in August, 1999. The encouragement and tearful expressions of gratitude that I received from those who attended caused me to realize that I was on the "right track" with this song.
After speaking with a few veterans at the Library, another song idea was born. "Standin' Tall," finally recorded in May 2002, was written to honor both the living who served alongside those who died, and those whose names are now engraved on the face of The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. The Wall stands as a powerful, granite tribute to both the living and the deceased who served our country "over there."
Since the Nixon Library, I have had many wonderful opportunities to perform my songs for Vietnam veterans particularly, and more recently for all veterans. Please see "Venue Highlights" page for the details.
It is with a heart full of gratitude for the veterans who served our country out of duty and a love for the principles of freedom and democracy, that this site, and my songs, are dedicated. May God bless you abundantly! So many Americans (the vast majority!) are grateful for you and your service too. It's about time you knew that.
Lyrics to "I Want to Thank You"
"Standin' Tall" Story Or, click to Lyrics for "Standin' Tall"
Click to Story or, click to lyrics for "I Am An American"
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