Forty years ago when 2cents and I were growing up, the town Dads were World War II veterans. The Independence Day parades had the Boy Scouts, and the town Dads, and the old veterans who were all from the Great War. I remember as a boy looking at the old Doughboys and thinking just how long ago it all had been.
Well 2cents writes about the last reunion of the 5th Armored Division Association in Bangor, Maine. Those town Dads are mostly gone now, and the few who remain are too few - and too old - to meet again.
I remember those parades, and thinking how long ago all that was. I remember hearing this song in Barstan's Pub, 2cents and me singing along (helped by the Jameson's). It seems a long time ago, but only yesterday.
I wonder if it seems that way to those veterans.
At least I was on key. Well, at least it sounded like I was on key after the first couple of Jameson's. I am going to be up in Maine this weekend. For the record, I may raise a tumbler of County Cork's finest to the men of the 5th Armored Division whilst there. However, for the public good I promise to refrain from breaking into song.
ReplyDeleteSaw Schooner Fare perform this a few times, a very moving rendition.
ReplyDeletelibertyman, that's where 2cents and I first heard it, and would (drunkenly) sing along.
ReplyDeleteBut Schooner Faire would don the last final chorus in a capela harmony. I remember that you could hear a pin drop, even in a smoky bar.
I remember when I first heard this song I thought it was the saddest song I'd ever heard. I have a version by Charlie Zahm somewhere.
ReplyDeleteI've always liked that song, even when I was a little kid.
ReplyDeleteWas that YOU at the next table? If so, our group was doing the exact same thing! As Bob Hope would say "thanks for the memories".
ReplyDeleteChristmas Eve 1985, Ireland's Own, Alexandria VA
ReplyDeleteFirst time I heard "Christmas in the Trenches"
What is it 'bout Irish bars and sad song?
Time for some Jamesons ... to fit the pollen. Seems my eyes are all watery.
Proud Hillbilly, it may be the saddest song in English. I wouldn't bet long money that there isn't something as sad in German or French from that war.
ReplyDeleteLibertyman, some day, perhaps you can I can do a drunken a capella version of this with JayG.
Stretch, What is it 'bout Irish bars and sad song? Maybe you can join me, and libertyman, and JayG in that song.
Dang. That song always brings a tear.
ReplyDeleteI'm partial to the Midnight Oil version. Slightly faster, but still packs the same punch.
ReplyDelete