In World War I, The “Blue Star Mothers” in The United States of America began hanging a banner with a blue star in recognition of their kids who were actively serving in the military. If one was killed, the blue star was replaced by one of gold – a symbol of pain and pride. The tradition continues today. My oldest two sons, one a Soldier and the other a Marine, both joined the military right out of high school during Operation Iraqi Freedom. I also put a banner in my window, but when my oldest was killed by a sniper in an ambush in Baghdad while trying to protect other soldiers and some civilians, one of those blue stars became gold. May 29th is my son, Brandon’s birthday and Memorial Day is the following day. The excellent song “Twenty-one Tear Salute” posted on this forum by Dewey Longuski, reminded me of this song I wrote years ago as a form of self-therapy. It was a little difficult to mix (as they all are for me), so let me know what you think – and have a safe and memorable Memorial Day Weekend - Brad.

Banner In The Window

There’s a banner in the window where a blue star became gold.
It brings to mind the pain and pride so many of us know.
Another soldier’s fallen and won’t be coming home.
There’s friends and family callin’, but the pain won’t let go.
And there, inside, the family cries.
Oh, the cost of freedom has its price.

‘Cause all across the country, from sea to shining sea,
they’ve left their homes and all they’ve known to fight for you and me.
And for the one’s not coming back, their story’s told
on that banner in the window where the blue star became gold.

Some won’t remember, oh, but others can’t forget,
that it’s not the way that they died, but the way that they lived
that made American heroes give all that they could give.
So I refuse to believe that a memory is all that they have left.

In every corner of this nation our flag still proudly waves.
It waves in celebration of our freedom and price they paid.
And it stands for a way of life that some will never know
and in honor of the sacrifice when a blue star became gold.

So, now it’s up to you and me to keep alive the legacy,
to grab the mane of freedom and don’t ever let her go.
And, somewhere deep within our hearts remember those who bear the scars
and the pain when a blue star became gold.
Somewhere deep within our hearts remember those who bear the scars
And the pain when a blue star became gold.

The Band:
Drums: Brian Fullen _NRCKBST.STY
Bass: Dow Tomlin _POPH085.STY
Acoustic Guitar: Jason Roller _POPH085.STY
Pedal Steel Gutiar: Steve Hinson _NRCKBST.STY
Piano: Blair Masters _PMODGR2.STY
Organ: Gene Rabbai _BALBMS2.STY
Electric Guitar: Dave Cleveland
Lead Guitar Outro: Brent Mason _BALBMS2.STY

https://soundcloud.com/user-722422510/tracks