American Soldier (originally titled Buffalo Soldiers) was commissioned in 1999 for the Bicentennial of the United States Military Academy at West Point. It was premiered on February 21st, 1999, at Eisenhower Hall, on the grounds of the West Point Military Academy.
American Soldier is my contribution to the legacy of the servicemen and women who have protected this country. Thanks to my experience as a soldier in Vietnam, I am fortunate to have a deep appreciation for the sacrifice that all soldiers make when they take the oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. Soldiers may have various motivations for serving their country, but we must always remember that whatever that reason, we owe them our support, regardless of our opinions towards the conflict they are engaged in.
After seeing American prisoners of war in Iraq this year, what moved me the most was realizing that many of these young soldiers never expected to be in harms way. But as always, by wearing the uniform of the US Army, they are vulnerable each day no matter what their job or location. I thank them and I am proud to have served.
I dedicate this work to all those who have served this country, especially to all those who have died in conflict, and for those who are serving now as American soldiers.
American Soldier opens with an awakening bell that brings a new day to those who have left their families to start a new life in service to their country.
The music continues with a series of selected bugle calls used by the Army to give troops nonverbal commands. These musical phrases, usually sounded by trumpets or drums, still direct the daily activities of soldiers on many Army posts.
In some sections the bugle calls are reharmonized, and in other sections they are played as written. In all cases the melody of the bugle call is unaltered, and are presented in the order that they are used during a regular garrison day of an American Soldier.
Reveille (0530hrs), Assembly (0535hrs), Mess Call (0640hrs), Drill Call (1530hrs), and Retreat (1800hrs).
The narrative for American Soldier was written by Carol Williams, a Chicago poet and musician who is also a US Army veteran.
The last section of the composition is narrated by actor Gary Sinise.