Stirring history of military songs continues its march
By Kelli Germeraad
Article Launched: 03/26/2006 7:54 AM PST
Vacaville Reporter

Throughout America's battles, conflicts and wars, music and songs have inspired, comforted, and remembered those in our military.

From the marches of John Phillips Sousa, to the emotional words of Lee Greewood's "God Bless the USA," America's military and their families can identify with the deep patriotic feelings expressed. For our military, many of these songs also express the pain of combat, of loss and the deep pride of service.

Recently, I heard such a song, one that reached to the deepest levels of emotion, a tribute from an average citizen who wishes to express his appreciation for the freedom he and his family enjoy because of the service of America's military.

Derek Clark, a successful Tracy businessman, has struck a chord with a recent recording of "Good Nigh Soldier." Clark, 35, recorded the song about 18 months ago after being inspired by the HBO documentary "Letters from Home." After a few performances, Clark put the song back in a drawer and almost forgot about it. About a month ago, however, Tracy locals paid final respects to Marine Lance Cpl. Brandon Christopher Dewey who was killed in Iraq by a suicide bomber. Dewey is the fifth Tracy resident to die in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The moving funeral for Dewey touched Clark, and the words of the song kept coming back to him. Mainly distributed through the Internet and e-mail, the song was played in its entirety on a Bay Area morning radio talk show which has garnered the attention of troops and their families.

Derek has recently released a CD with the same title as the song, "Good Night Soldier." The CD has tributes to our nation and is a tribute to fatherhood and to life. It is not your typical patriotism-filled CD. Regardless of that, "Good Night Soldier" is fast-becoming the new military anthem for those serving.

In a recent statement released on the "Good Night Soldier" Web site, Derek said, "When I wrote this song, the term soldier was intended for all the Armed Forces members, I wanted to show my appreciation to the United States Military for defending our beautiful country. One Nation, One Team."

Thank you, Derek, for standing tall for America's warriors, and their families. To listen to or obtain a copy of this CD log onto: www.goodnightsoldier.com.