As someone who is against war it is ironic that my eldest son in in the British Army - his choice not mine. Hes on a six month detachment abroad... not Afghanistan or Iraq thank goodness.

No amount of jingoistic songs & ditties are going to impress the serving soldier of today. They like their own modern music, not songs from past wars, and hymns. If they are anything like my lad they are very cynical and would just take the michael... and get on with the job in hand.

Yes the sentiments of posted songs are very strong... the Arlo Guthrie one is particularly apt. Forgotten by governments once they are dead or injured.

My choice of song for my son is:-


AN IRISH BLESSING,   

Ralph McTell

How my life is changing now
My young ones start to leave their home
I wish that their uncertain road
Was one that I could tread with them

As when I walked them home from school
Or safely caught them when they fell
Or chase the demons from their dreams
With jokes and stories that I could tell.

May the road rise with you
And the wind be at your back
Go raibh an ghaoth I goónai ar do chûl
Go n-éiri and bóthar leat.

And now it's me who has to learn
To let you make your way alone
To try not to direct each turn
Your triumphs and mistakes your own.

Your path will different be to mine
No tricks of my trade no use to you
To others and yourself be kind
Your suffering would hurt me too.

Chorus

I hear the calling of your heart
I see in your eyes that you know
To cherish is the easy part
The hardest task is letting go

So let me see you to the corner
Let me watch you down the street
May my love be your protector
And walk with you till next we meet.

May the road rise with you
And the wind be at your back
Go raibh an ghaoth I goónai ar do chûl
Go n-éiri and bóthar leat.


fliss

no1 son and Ralph share the same birthday - Dec 3rd. Happy birthday both of you.