Arts
Inside Vocal MajorityI Thank My Lucky StarsAmericans celebrate the Fourth of July every year, marking the founding of the United States. Usually an occasion for parades, parties, barbecues, concerts and fireworks, this most significant national holiday on the American calendar will be different this year. It may be quieter… with smaller gatherings…closer to home. But this doesn’t change the fact that Americans love this country and cherish our independence and freedom. On this day, we “thank our lucky stars to be living here today.” We also know that freedom isn’t free. Millions of men and women have put their life on the line to protect our freedom.So we thought you might like to meet some of the brave men of the Vocal Majority who served in different branches of our Armed Forces. In this episode, you’ll hear stories about the military experiences of VM members Dave Huff, Clark Magee, Jim Patterson, Tony Stafford, Joe Frazier and Mike “MJ” Johnson. And of course the VM will sing a few of our favorite patriotic songs… The Star-Spangled Banner, Armed Forces Medley and God Bless the USA.A note about the production of this episode…longtime VM member/performer and historical contributor Frank Eastman traveled around the state of Texas during our time in quarantine and met (properly socially-distanced) and recorded the interviews you hear on this show. Then Frank and Nick Alexander, another longtime member/performer/show host and “voice” of the VM, edited the hours of interviews into this episode. The VM is extremely grateful for the efforts and dedication of these gentlemen.So Happy 4th of July everyone. We hope you enjoy hearing our stories and music. And we think you'll agree with us when we sing:“I thank my lucky stars...To be living here today,‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom...And they can’t take that away.”