August 1997:
Not so very long ago, a new Internet friend saw this webpage and sent me an e-mail asking if I would be interested in hearing a song that he had written and recorded about Arlington National Cemetery.
I quickly answered his note, indicating that I would welcome a copy of his song. Several days later, from the heartland of Michigan, a small package arrived from Riley McLincha. Not really knowing what to expect, I played the cassette tape contained in that package. What I heard coming from the speakers was a well written and produced song which literally brought tears to my eyes.
Knowing that my webpage would never be complete without it, I wrote to Riley again requesting his permission to post the lyrics here. He agreed to let me do so and I now present them to you. Should you care to provide some feedback to Riley, just click on his name below and let him know what you think.
In
addition, should you wish to purchase a copy of the song (for just the
cost of a blank cassette and the postage), and I strongly recommend that
you do, please drop Riley a line. I don't believe that you will be disappointed
if you decide to have a copy of your very own.
A Message From Riley:
I'm sorry to say I've only been to Arlington once, 23 years ago. I was also 23 years old at the time. The biggest reason I went was to visit the Kennedy's graves. Can you believe I didn't even watch the changing of the guard....
Obviously the place did make a lasting impression on me though. I wrote the lyrics two years ago after listening to a couple of co-workers discussing their visits. I then read a couple childrens books from the library about Arlington. Some of the inspiration for the song came from these books.
I recorded the song last December. I wish I would have found your website sooner. I do plan on returning someday soon on a Memorial Day or Veteran's Day. I dream one of the armed forces band choruses actually singing the song during the ceremony.
The song has been copyrighted only to protect others who would like to profit from it. As for myself I'm not one to want to profit from such a song. I'd much rather that every American knew the song than make money from it. Thanks for listening.