Brave Warrior
This entry was posted on December 21, 2006 10:31 AM and is filed under the troops.
December 21, 2006 ... Ryan Joseph Cantafio, Brave Warrior.
For those of you who have not heard "Brave Warrior," above is a live version of the song recorded at the Roskam/McCain Rally in DuPage Country, Illinois in October 2006. Although you can't see him, best-buddy and awesome musician, Jon Brant is playing bass guitar behind the the 104 Veterans who showed up to support Peter Roskam and John McCain. (I think some of the Vet's were more excited to meet Jon Brant!)
The song "Brave Warrior" was inspired by my cousin, Corporal Ryan Joseph Cantafio, USMC who was killed in action in Baghdad, Iraq; Thanksgiving night, 2004. After attending Ryan's funeral, I was left with a lasting impression. Days later I started to write the music. I called my poet-genius buddy Herb Weinand to help me with some lyric lines. Herb came through with lines like "When the poppies fade," and, "... the fields are empty and gold." (He's the best poet I know!)
The performance on the above video was dedicated to the memory of Phillip Frank, USMC; KIA in Iraq in April of 2004 and whose parents were present at the performance. I learned in August of 2006 that our band, The 101st Rock Division, entertained Phil and his Marines in Iraq in February of 2004 after meeting his parents Georgette and Roy Frank (photo number 80 in the "Living the Dream" section of the "pictures" link on the front page of this website.)
Today's blog is dedicated to the families who have lost a "brave warrior." Thank you all for your gift to America ... the gift of freedom your loved one gave to us all.
For those of you who have not heard "Brave Warrior," above is a live version of the song recorded at the Roskam/McCain Rally in DuPage Country, Illinois in October 2006. Although you can't see him, best-buddy and awesome musician, Jon Brant is playing bass guitar behind the the 104 Veterans who showed up to support Peter Roskam and John McCain. (I think some of the Vet's were more excited to meet Jon Brant!)
The song "Brave Warrior" was inspired by my cousin, Corporal Ryan Joseph Cantafio, USMC who was killed in action in Baghdad, Iraq; Thanksgiving night, 2004. After attending Ryan's funeral, I was left with a lasting impression. Days later I started to write the music. I called my poet-genius buddy Herb Weinand to help me with some lyric lines. Herb came through with lines like "When the poppies fade," and, "... the fields are empty and gold." (He's the best poet I know!)
The performance on the above video was dedicated to the memory of Phillip Frank, USMC; KIA in Iraq in April of 2004 and whose parents were present at the performance. I learned in August of 2006 that our band, The 101st Rock Division, entertained Phil and his Marines in Iraq in February of 2004 after meeting his parents Georgette and Roy Frank (photo number 80 in the "Living the Dream" section of the "pictures" link on the front page of this website.)
Today's blog is dedicated to the families who have lost a "brave warrior." Thank you all for your gift to America ... the gift of freedom your loved one gave to us all.
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December 22, 2006 9:45 AM
Mark Millington wrote:
Joe,
Awesome blog yesterday, awesome song! I can't wait to meet up with you brother.
Mark Millington, Firefighter, Nottingshire England
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December 23, 2006 9:36 AM
Lisa Smith wrote:
This is a very touching song, thanks for posting it. Have had the opportunity to meet the Franks at some We-Do-Care events. My heart goes out to them. This couple is dedicated to honoring thier son's memory and helping others through the Heart of a Marine Foundation.
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