Pearl Harbor

Most of us were not around when a surprise military attack on the naval base of the United States Pacific Fleet in Hawaii occurred on December 7, 1941. President Franklin D. Roosevelt called it, "a date which will live in infamy," and he was right. The fleet suffered catastrophic damages, including the deaths of over 2,000 Americans and the injury of over a thousand more. As of this writing, it has been 85 years since this horrific bombing, and it's important that we remember the heroes of that day, a day that plunged the United States into World War II.

This powerful patriotic song is an appropriate dedication to that remembrance and those who gave their lives in service of our country. The full orchestra and military percussion give it gravitas while also capturing the poignancy of the era. The vocal part is unison, though it does have a wide range – from low Bb to high D. The intervals may require some work, but listening to the accompaniment will help, as the melody is covered in various instruments throughout such as trumpets, horns, strings, and of course, piano.

This piece would work well for any patriotic occasion, notably Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day itself, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day. And because it's historic, it also lends itself well to a cross curricular discussion. Be sure to invite your classroom or history teacher to participate.