On my way to work I heard a song on the local country radio station by Tim McGraw called “I’m Already Home”.  The song is a letter written by fallen soldier to his wife before he died.  The lyrics were emotional and moving in that particular way country songs can sometimes do:

‘If you’re reading this halfway around the world
I won’t be there to see the birth of our little girl
I hope she looks like you
I hope she fights like me
And stands up for the innocent and the weak
I’m layin down my gun and hanging up my boots
Tell dad I don’t regret that I followed in his shoes’

Hearing that song, and with the Fourth of July coming up, I got to thinking.  War is no beautiful thing and it must be hard convincing the masses to go and enlist.  With the war our country is fighting these days, it’s no easy or simple decision for a young man to decide to leave his family, friends, loved ones, comforts, and conveniences to go and fight.  I also wondered, what is the military’s strategy when trying to recruit?  How do they position their advertising knowing that many of those they are trying to reach through their TV ads and online ads will end up dead?

All those questions are hard and not easily answered.  I’ve seen recruitment campaigns ranging from video game type stimulation to heart-moving pieces all with the goal of persuading individuals to selflessly fight for their country.

One thing is certain, however, there is something to be said for the unsolicited advertising received through songs like the one above.  The patriotic songs written by many artists over the years move listeners and frame the job of giving your life to your country as one that is heroic and to be coveted.  The lyrics move the heart and may even move some towards a decision to enlist.

Happy Fourth of July and thanks to all our brave soldiers who fight to keep us free!