Ryan Joseph Cantafio - USMC was killed in action in Baghdad, Iraq on Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 2004. Ryan was from the small, beautiful town of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. I only met Ryan once during his short life, but since his death, I have learned so much more about him. I know he was loved dearly by his Mom and Dad and was always a hero to his brothers and sisters. I know he loved fishing and loved his Packers. I learned from his brother Marines that, once on the frontlines, Ryan volunteered for every duty possible. He sat behind his 50. cal on the back of his Humvee and did his duty without a complaint.

At Ryan's funeral, I promised my cousin, Joey Cantafio (yes we both have the same name) that I would do something in Ryan's name. I promised him that as long as I lived, nobody would forget Ryan. As I rode home from Beaver Dam with my cousin Gerry, a thousand thoughts were racing through my mind. The fact that the entire town of Beaver Dam lined the streets to say goodbye to their native-son and Hero inspired me. The Marine Corps treatment of one of their own made me so proud of Ryan ... and seeing him laid to rest in his hometown on that cold December day broke all of our hearts.

                       

In May of 2005 those images all came together for me as I wrote the song "BRAVE WARRIOR." I went to my childhood friend Herb Weinand, and asked him to help with some verses and as always, Herb came through with a few of the most beautiful lyric's I had ever heard to honor my cousin.

My cousin Joey and have kicked around the idea of a music festival in Ryan's hometown for a while. A festival NOT to mourn ... but to celebrate. So we decided that it should be called the America Hero Music Festival, honoring real heroes; First Responders, Active Duty Troops, all Veterans, the men and women who honor our Troops - the Warriors Watch Riders and the Patriot Guard Riders and the event should be hosted by Gold Star Families.

On September 12, 2009 that dream will become a reality when The town of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin hosts the 1st Annual AMEIRCAN HERO MUSIC FESTIVAL at Swan City Park. We are going to have an opening ceremony at about 12:00 Noon ... followed by the acoustic renderings from Vietnam and Gulf War Veteran (and Cheesehead) Lem Genovese (and a great guy, I might add.) The most famous band from Beaver Dam - "ALEXIS," will go on stage at about 4:30 PM, This is a very special band. The leader of the band and lead-singer is my cousin Ryan's Gold Star mother Sandy, and her three brothers ... and trust me, they ROCK. Ryan's favorite band was Pink Floyd and he learned all about Pink Floyd from his Mom and his Uncle's. My band, The "101 ST ROCK DIVISION" will hit the stage around 7:00-ish ... We will introduce "BRAVE WARRIOR" to Beaver Dam and Lem will join me for a tune during the acoustic part of the show. Sandy and her brothers will join us during "Comfortably Numb."

Please join us for this FREE EVENT. There will be plenty of Soldiers to greet, an Army Climbing Wall, Humvee's and Truck's for the kids to climb on and other very cool stuff. The Wisconsin Firefighters memorial replica will be there ... and tons of real heroes ... Police Officers, Firefighters, Troops, Veterans and Gold Star Families. My buddy Kirk Morris; Gold Star father of Geoff Morris, USMC will be there to host part of the show, and Guest Speaker - Sgt. Nick Demiceli, US Army (Purple Heart-Iraq) will say a few words before we take the stage. Even the great Marty Smith III, from the Marine Corps League of Lake Country, Illinois will be there to capture the event on camera.

Everyday I hear of more people joining this Patriotic cause and it really brings tears to my eyes. The Exchange Club of Beaver Dam has stepped up and taken care of all the volunteer services; honestly, this event would NOT be possible without the awesome Exchange Club of Beaver Dam. They will be serving up cold Miller Beer, hot Wisconsin Bratwurst, burgers and red-hot's.

Our new company - US Freedom Gear, will pick up costs if not covered by Beer and food sales ... and AmericInn have donated hotel rooms to my band and crew. If there are any funds leftover, those funds will be donated by the Exchange Club to the scholarships set up at Beaver Dam High School for Ryan and for Sgt. Kirk Straseskie-USMC, another Marine killed in action from Beaver Dam and a friend of Ryan's.

So ... if you can make the trip to Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, you won't be sorry (it's only 2 1/2 from downtown Chicago and about 25-minutes East of Madision, WI) ... There are plenty of AWESOME campgrounds, hotels and some very nice people. If you can't make it, but know people within a hundred miles, please pass the word.

I'll keep you all posted on how our 1st event goes, and I'll keep you posted as to plans for next year. Do you want to get involved? Would you like to be a part of growing event that may go two days next year? Contact me at JoeCantafio@aol.com and let's put our heads together to make this an event every single Patriot from all over America will want to attend.

 

What did you think of this article?

Liked
Disliked
No Opinion