On November 11 each year we celebrate Veterans Day in America. It's a special day to remember all who have served in the Armed Forces. Enjoy today's Music Lesson for Veterans Day and take some time to celebrate those who worked to allow us to be free!

Armed Forces Hymns

This first video goes through all 5 of the Armed Forces with their special song or hymn. Choose your favorite and sing along with it--the words are on the screen!

1. Army "The Army Goes Rolling Along"
2. Navy "Anchors Aweigh"
3. Coast Guard "Semper Paratus"
4. Air Force "Nothing'll Stop the U.S. Air Force"
5. Marines "The Marines' Hymn"

Short Lesson about "The Army Song"

Here is a lesson about the Army Song from a 30-year retired veteran and Military Musician (trombone player and eventual Band First Sergeant) who is now a band director at a K-8 Christian School. She said that the above version of "The Army Song" has incorrect lyrics. Most non-military sites use a very old rendition from the original march “Caissons Go Rolling Along”, but the words were changed several decades ago, and it’s called "The Army Song” now. About 10 years ago they updated it to include the opening verse, but the Chorus and Refrain is what is sung to the original familiar tune. She said, “I’m just sharing with people who don’t know in an effort for more people to learn the official and correct version we Army Soldiers know and love!”

“The Army Song”

Verse:
March along, sing our song, with the Army of the free.
Count the brave, count the true, who have fought to victory.
We’re the Army and proud of our name!
We’re the Army and proudly proclaim:

Chorus:
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 won,
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’er we go,
You will always know
That The Army Goes Rolling Along.

A Dance for Veterans Day

In this next video, we watch a dance which tells the story of a veteran and his family.

(Caution: This is an absolutely beautiful and amazing performance, but it does tell a sad story. I cry every time I watch it. If this is a sensitive topic for your family, you may want to skip this one.)

Our last two videos are songs sung by children which give tribute to the wonderful men and women we honor on Veterans Day.

More Veterans Day Resources

If you would like some more resources to help you study Veterans Day, see the following links:

Veterans Day Book Ideas for Elementary, Middle School, and High School

(For an additional activity you might like to do while studying patriotic music, head here for the Veterans Day Activity Pack, Lapbook, and Coloring Pages!)