Patriotic Music Then and Now Presentation

Patriotic Music Then and Now: America’s Songs Salute Our Veterans

On Monday night, July 2, historian David Wells of Ralston will explore musical tributes to veterans throughout U.S. history.

His “Patriotic Music Then and Now: America’s Songs Salute Our Veterans” is a free presentation. It begins at 7 p.m. at the Nye Square retirement community, 655 West 23rd Street (U.S. Highway 30) in Fremont.

He will share recordings of music spanning more than 125 years. Wells says the musical styles and lyrics of those songs reflect attitudes prevailing when they were composed, although their messages about patriotism, love of country and how we receive those who answer the call to serve are timeless.

Wells is a board member of the Civil War Veterans Museum at the Grand Army of the Republic Hall in Nebraska City. He also produced “Memories of the Boys in Blue,” a collection of songs and poetry to honor soldiers and sailors from the American Civil War. Artists on that CD brought history to life by performing songs from original sheet music.

The free program on July 2 is part of a series of presentations sponsored throughout the year by James C. Welstead Camp No. 3 of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, which is based in Fremont. To learn more about this organization or upcoming presentations, contact Camp Commander Paul Hadley at 402-438-6015.