In November 2004, I was invited to
perform at the Remembrance Day ceremony held at the
University of Alberta in Edmonton. It is the largest indoor
Remembrance Day ceremony in Canada with up to 7000 people in
attendance.
Two months earlier, I met
singer-songwriter Jay Willis, who "just happened" to be
ex-military. I mentioned that I needed a song for the
Remembrance Day ceremony and he said that he had written
"The Proud Canadian Soldier". Without ever hearing the song,
I asked Jay if I could sing it on Remembrance Day. I just
knew it was the right song, and it turned out, we didn't
even need to change the key in which it was written. I sang
the song for our soldiers and veterans while Jay accompanied
me on the guitar.
After hearing the song on November 11th,
Captain Brian Greenwood, the Commanding Officer of the Royal
Canadian Artillery Band approached Jay and asked for
permission to write an arrangement of "The Proud Canadian
Soldier". The song, with the new arrangement premiered on
May 6th 2005 at a Tribute to Veterans concert
held at the Myer-Horowitz Theatre in Edmonton. It was a
magical evening that I will treasure in my memories
forever.
Since then, the song has been performed
with the Royal Canadian Artillery Band at the Land Forces
Western Area Commanders' Change of Command Parade on June 29th
and for a crowd of 10,000 at the Alberta Centennial Tattoo
on July 24th 2005!
This recording of "The Proud Canadian
Soldier" was made possible by the kind generosity of Mr.
Larry Anderson, President of LIAP Media Inc., Captain Brian
Greenwood and the wonderful musicians of the Royal Canadian
Artillery Band. Thank you all for your support, talent and
enthusiasm!
I have been truly blessed with the
opportunity to perform with world class musicians and fellow
soldiers! I have always loved to sing and what better to pay
tribute to our soldiers than with a song!!
Jill
Younghusband
September, 2005
"They
shall not grow old as we who are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM."
