Our son had two tours in Iraq. 13 months the first time and 12 the second. My big gruff matter of fact husband sent our son a letter and a care package EVERY week. My son loved candy cigarettes so my hubs found a bunch and sent them. We found out later, our son was selling them for ridiculous amounts of $. 😂 My son and I surprised my hubby with a leave. We were in a restaurant and our son came and slipped into the booth next to his dad. My husband lost it. I still cry thinking about it 17 years later.
I served six years in the navy during Vietnam. I was overseas for two and a half years and the letters from home was all I had. No phones, no email, no internet. Thank you for playing this song.
I didn’t know my biological father growing up. When I served in Iraq he sent me letters and that’s how I got to know him. He was a disabled Vietnam vet. Purple Heart from a hand grenade.
If your reading this , makes me cry every time I hear it. Brings me back to every time I would take my Nephew to the airport for another deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan, 6 deployments in all with his Marines never knowing if it was the last time I'd see him. Very hard on the family's left behind. Thankfully he came home but many did not.may God bless them and they're family's. Now I'm getting ready to send my oldest Grandson off to the Army come August and it'll start all over again. God Bless the USA.
I went to Kandahar Afghanistan when I was 17. I turned 18 just 16 days after we touched down. When I came home and heard this song it really got to me. I am now 40 and have still never had my father tell me he is proud of me. So I still cry every time I hear this.
"8th of November" By Big & Rich always hits me hard. I grew up during the Vietnam era. My cousin was over there right in the thick of it. I remember my aunt, his mom, watching the nightly news in hopes that she'd see Randy in some of the battlefield footage. He made it home but died years later from non-Hodgkins lymphoma caused by exposure to agent orange.
Thanks for reviewing my suggestion Sebs. As a retired Vet with 32 years and a father of 4, I lost my dad to cancer before my two deployments so I never got to get his take on that. So this song kind of guts me and it was the reason for my suggestion and the two tips. You did not disappoint with your reaction. You continue to impress me. Skip
As a Retired Marine, this song has always reminded me of how we always looked forward to the mail coming in.... both in the field or even just in the various training camps. You are cut off from your family for extended periods of time, so every letter means so much more than anyone who hasn't been there can realize. I still have all my letters 30 years after getting out of the Corps, I read them again every now and then when I am remembering and honoring what I and my brothers been through.
I don’t ever comment, but those letters and packages when you’re deployed on the other side of the world are everything! They bring so much joy and tears having a piece of home with you. I’d always carry my family’s photos and letters on me. Thank you for your reaction and your support. They’re more appreciated than you know!
My Father died when I was 1 year old. My Mother remarried when I was young to my Dad. He died about 9 months before I retired from the Marine Corps. I don't remember a time when he told me that he was proud of me. My Mom said that he told her, but it would have been good that he told me directly. Don't THINK that they know you love them and are proud of them. TELL THEM!
I have never heard my dad say he was proud of me but during boot camp he sent a letter saying it and it destroyed me emotionally. 20+ years later it's still the only time he has said it.
I'd never heard this before. This song needs a tissue warning. Good song for mother's day and father's day, too. Those letters mean so much. It's been more than 30 years since my husband and I sent letters back and forth. I still have all of them.
I’m a NAVY vet and this song hits hard. I got mail from my mom and girlfriend almost everyday. But that one letter I got from my MARINE father was like an acceptance only boys and dads have. I wipe my eyes everytime I hear this song. Go NAVY!! 🫡🇺🇸
Hi, I'm a disabled Combat vet. I can tell you it wasn't just letters from my actual home, but also letters from all over the country addressed to a soldier that keeps you going. I responded to everyone, and if from my home town area, I went to the classrooms and schools of those kids. People don't think the first Gulf War was as important yet myself and many of my friends can tell you differently. I was proud to serve if I could, at 58 yrs old, I'd do it again. I am thankful there are Americans like you to be an example of those who choose to be Americans. God bless, bro. To you and yours.
Active duty Army here. Deployed 5 times, OIF '07-'08, OEF '09-'10, '12-'13, 2014 and OFS '18-'19. I love this song and the father's part gets me every time. I prefer hand written letters over emails any day of the week. It so much more personal, in my opinion. Thank you for the love and support you have for us out here. Your appreciation definitely doesn't go unnoticed 🇺🇲🇺🇲
We lost my son in law in OIF & he now rests with his 3rd Regiment Old Guard brothers watching over him at Arlington. My daughter, his wife, is 1 yr from full military retirement Army Combat Medic! Hooah! 😘
Cmon... Iceland isnt a deployment. Yeah you're not on a ship but it had A bowling alley, NEX, and a Wendys! lol I was in the AF stationed there 92-93. Don't take my comment seriously, just giving you crap! ;)
@steves.6519 right?! Lol! My dad was in Vietnam and used to give his nephews a hard time about their deployments to places like Iceland, France, etc. Lol
My nephew was in Special Forces and served 20 yrs. I don’t even remember how many tours he done in so many countries. I feel guilty now after seeing this video that I didn’t send him more letters and care packages from home. He was always appreciative. I did make him a Quilt of Valor for remembrance with his name, his deceased brother and his best friends who were killed on his last tour. That was really bad for him because they had been together in all of the bad tours. We were so proud of him but also glad when he quit after 20 yrs. He suffers daily now from old injuries from service. God bless our military!
This song hits different, I remember being on a call to my dad at the MWR in Iraq, hadn’t really talked to him in a few months, the time difference is crazy…it was one of the only times I ever heard the words “hey….im proud of you”, held it together long enough until I we went back to my patrol base and I was alone in my CHU
My spouse, my sister, my brother in law (did 2 tours), my other sister (RIP), my cousin (RIP), my father in law, my grandfather, anoyher cousin are all veterans. I'm thankful to them every single day.
There ain’t nothin funny when a soldier cry’s…. That punches hard. I was there in the early 90’s. Before emails, FaceTime, or texting. When I was stationed overseas, it would take 2-3 weeks for my letters to reach my family and another 2-3 weeks for a response. I spent many nights, as well as many other Marines, laying in my bunk with tears in my eyes missing my family. And yes, I still have every one of them (the letters).
this song gets to me all the time. my dad was the dad that said you make me proud after my time that i served. we never talked like that to each other. less than a month after that talk i lost him to cancer. i miss him everyday. given the chance i would re-enlist i dont regret my time. even with the three bullets i took.
My son recently retired from USMC, did many tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He went in right after high school and I was always so worried about him that the whole time he was at boot camp, I sent him a letter every single day. He did tell me how the drill sergeant used those letters to make fun of him and when he graduated that same drill sergeant came over to me and told me how great my son was. I was such a proud Mom then and so much more now. I knew then how much those letters meant. Brings tears to my eyes every time I think about it. God Bless Our troops and all the families that sacrifice and support them.
I’d like to share a story about this song here. First time I ever heard it was on 2003 or 4 I was on guard duty in Baghdad in our zone. I had a small radio and at night the Armed Forces Radio played country. I heard this and it hit hard. Did t know who sang it and never heard it again until I was leaving Iraq and was in the community shower in Kuwait. A guy came in with a big radio and the song started. It ended and another guy said Hey man play that song again”. It was dead quiet in the random community shower while that played again. About 15-20 guys in there.
I served 20 years when letters were the only means of communication. Letters ( except Dear John, which I also received ) were cherished. J L Canaday, LCdr, USN ( Ret )
Our son has been an Army Ranger for 20 yrs. Deployed to Middle East 7 times. We weren't aloud to know his location so had to send packages and letters to the Army wives to forward for us. It's a hard life for them. One most of us we'll ever know. We're very proud of him!❤🇺🇲❤
John Michael Montgomery is known for some real tear jerkers but great songs. I don't think you can go wrong with any of his songs. My wife used to send me homemade brownies when I was deployed in the Navy. My shipmates would gather around the box just like in the video. Memories.
Was at a young soldiers funeral two years ago and the final verse (“from his dad”) was played as they carried his casket to the graveside. Gutting. God bless all who serve and all who love them 🇺🇸
As a son who never heard his father say he was proud of me or that he loved me until I was headed into the Navy, the end of this song always gets to me too. Thanks for playing it. ❤
Some things never change, this song could apply to any soldier in any war. T. Boyte GySgt. USMC, retired Vietnam 1965-66/1970-71 Infantry unit leader 0369
So often, as a soldier away from home, the mail from home is what keeps you going. I was in Korea when the Towers came down. I was part of the advance group of 1st Cav during OIF II.
Bruh.. i just clicked on this video because, idk, I'm on some youtube reaction video hole, but as soon as I geard you wish everyone a happy fathers day, I was like oh boy... This man is in for something here today .
Both my sons served, my dad, Papa, and so many in the family. I made sure both my boys always sent care packages (extra for the buddies), and they both said they always loved the letters.
I remember being in middle school writing letters to my big brother in Marine boot camp always using the brightest neon paper to brighten his day or slightly embarrass him a little 🤭 My husband was deployed twice as an infantry Marine and he has told me the same story about the few times his dad has said he’s proud of him and being a Marine was one of them. He’s now in the Army and thankfully we haven’t been separated but like that. A rumor is one is coming but praying it stays a rumor 🙏🏻 Your patriotism is infectious Sebs!
My grandfather WW2, my father Korea, my aunt and uncles Vietnam, me IranConta, my son and daughter in law Afghan and Iraq and still active. My brother also served. Mail was so important to all of us.
I sent this CD and one by Toby Keith when my husband was in Iraq with an CD player. Also a picture wallet with mine, our daughter’s, and our son’s voices. He came home and I had to get him new CD’s. He left his for his replacements. We were lucky.
This song cam out right before my first tour in Iraq and those letters made a huge difference for me while I was in country each tour that I did. I did 2 tours in Iraq and it the letters and calls were what got me through both of those. Thank you for reacting to this song.
My husband is a Cold War Veteran of the Navy. Whenever he talks about his service to our country, he tells everyone that my staying home, taking care of the home, the bills, and having two kids that I raised sometimes couple months at a time. He says I'm a veteran,too! ❤🤠⚓🗽
Been active for 12 years now. Insane how fast time flies, but I swore in for people like you, I just wish everyone was like this. You are the reason I serve and will keep serving! Thank you, my brother. You are amazingly awesome ✌️
They did their research when they wrote this. Spot on! At my wedding in 04 my best man talked about the letters from home. And yeah, we went back again. Together. And our ladies were waiting for us. Moms and Pops too!
That d@#n third verse... The five most emotionally charged words to ever pass across a fathers lips: "Son, you make me proud." When my Dad said that to me, the avalanche of emotion was so strong that I, to this day, don't know how to describe it: it simply WAS. . I miss you, Dad.
This song is so real to me. My self mom, and sisters setting around the table writing letter to my brother's. Had five brother's serving this great country. My husband also was> serving. Lots of letters from home was mailed out everyday from our home.
When a member of our family becomes a missionary we all try to write as much as possible. Your comments about being a missionary reminded me of how cherished letters to home help sustain family left behind. There is definitely not the same type of anxiety/worry as when a family members drploys on a tour of duty but still we want to know how they are doing and that they are alright. We want to hear about their trials big and small and their spiritual growth. The letters are precious both to and from home.
I remember when I was on deployment, and receiving a letter from my parents, and my girlfriend at the time, made my whole week. I served in the Navy, and mail call wasn't on a well maintained schedule. Not receiving mail, would become very isolating. My son currently serves in the Navy, and I make it a point to talk to him as much as possible. I need him to know, he is not forgotten.
Love. This. Song! I was fortunate enough to be one of the soldiers in this video (the one who hands off the letter), and even as we were shooting it, we all knew it was going to be something very special. When I saw the final cut for the first time, it totally blew my expectations away!!!
I found this song while my son was deployed. My son was deployed several times to the big sand boxes in the middle east. I would send him local made beef jerky and homemade things every week. This song and Private Malone grew to be two of my favorites. I have all the letters my father wrote home when he was in WW2. Those will always bring tears to my eyes when I read them and the stuff he went through.
Seb, I'm so happy to see that you as a younger generation to me , I'm 82 yrs old are enjoying what my gneration listened to in the 50's plus love to hear that you are also enjoying country western music, in the 60's I got into country western, wasn't a fan of the folk songs, I would love for you to check on 2 songs by Merle Haggard I really think you & your beautiful wife would like them, they are Twinkle Twinkle Little Star & Started Loving you Again or a 3rd one Silver Wings, back in the 70's the 2nd song was dediated to me from a guy I was dating. Really enjoy listening to you on UA-cam. Pat M.
Did 2 tours in Iraq and it was always special getting letters and care packages from loved ones but this song hit home ,me and my dad wasn't really close and it took almost 3 years after I came home for him to tell me he was proud of me but when he said it we was as close as we ever have been and I thank God we are close now. Love you dad!
Proud 153rd Cavalry vet here. The letters and occasional phone calls from my wife and parents were massive uplifters for all of us. I was never in a “combat zone” but still being overseas is always tough.
This song super hits me. Soldiers these days don't realize how hard and isolating it was and how getting letters from home were so special. Like he said keeps you driving on. I also had that kinda dad also so I can relate so much.
We would send care packages to the soldiers once s week. Always included notes and reminded them that regardless of what the see if hear on the news, we support and respect them. I always choked up writing them... God bless our troops and veterans.
I still have all the letters that my husband and I wrote back and forth when he was in Desert Storm. When he deployed to Bosnia, from where we were stationed in Germany, I was teaching at the Army Dependents' middle school on post. We were allowed to use this new technology, that at the time was only available to the Department of Defense. It was email. I still remember the very first email I ever sent and it was to my husband in Bosnia. This was about 3 years before the internet was a thing.
My daughter's friend was captured by the enemy. We saw a video of him surrounded by his captor's he looked so scared we learned later that he was already dead before they released the video. His body was found four years later . i still have nightmares about it. he was captured in 2004 his remains were not recovered until 2008. We love and miss you everyday.
I was truly touched by your reaction to this video. Your comparison of the military life to your missionary life - the need for "letters from home" to keep up your commitment and courage - was a touching way for you to try to sympathize AND empathize. Your comment that you got to choose to be an American was also interesting in that you have such respect for the military members who have, and will continue to, commit to guarantee our way of life. When I was in high school, in the early-mid 70s, there were programs to have us write to military members. I've always been a pacifist, yet I participated because I respected those who committed even part of their lives to serve, and those who were drafted despite their personal beliefs. I often wonder, nowadays, if people ever write to military members, in this day and age of texting and emailing. I hope so. A tactile piece of paper, that can be "tucked into my shirt", can be read even when there's no WiFi - it is still the best thing to send.
As a former Submariner (many years ago), crew members were lucky to get a "family-gram" (short message much like old telegrams that come across the antenna when able) once in a while, During my 10 years, I received only two family-grams...which made it really hard for me then and even now; certain things just don't fare well with me when I see them. I will say that John Michael Montgomery is an artist that I have listened to since he came on the music scene. I was 47 years old when my Dad told me for the first time, that he was proud of me. We had had our battles (male ego stupidity. LOL) and when he told me that he was proud of me (I had just finished and was granted my Master's degree), we hugged for the first time in a very very long time... Songs like this one are what music is all about for me. The song tells a story and evokes an emotion or invites the listener to connect to the song from personal experience(s).
When I was deployed care packages were EVERYTHING!! You'd be surprised how motivating it can be to get a letter from your mom. Sometimes I'd get a care package from some kids for a school project or something and it would be packed with candy, cookies, razors and other stuff that we'd need out on deployment. It was always nice to get a letter from a kid that I didn't know and they didn't know me but showed me love.
When I was deployed my dad sent me a letter I’d never forget. “I’ve never told you but I wanted to be a Marine when I was a kid. You’re my hero son. I love you, stay safe”
My husband served in the Marine Corp. He did two tours to Iraq. He could not listen to this song for years because he lived this. I tear up myself thinking about his emotions to this song.
My dad served, USMC, in Kuwait during ODS, and my mom wrote daily & I did the same when I dated a Navy corpsman. It does make a difference. Its a heart wrencher lol for sure.
This song came out when I was a little kid. One of the post 9/11 anthems when GWOT kicked off. Here I am, ten years later, two military branches later, and this song still makes me cry every time. The letters from home are what kept some of us going. The verse that always gets me is “I might not have said it, so I’ll say it now. Son you make me proud.” Wrecks me every time.
John Michael Montgomery was huge in the 90s. He's got some songs that you should listen to with your wife. Rope the moon, I swear, I can love you like that, the little girl, be my baby tonight are just a few
If you were able to watch this with dry eyes. I pray you can eventually take down the wall you’ve built and your heart opens to be able to show emotion. Tears cleanse the soul. God bless your soldiers and their families.
My husband has been an active duty Marine for 19 years now. We have four children and it has been a long road no doubt. Country music by far has more patriotic songs than any other genre. They sing about real things and they know how to get you right your feelings. Great song to react to!
I can understand you relating being a missionary as your closest experience. I think the biggest difference for us veterans is never knowing if you'll still be there to receive the next letter. Nobody talks about that part, but we all thought about it, especially when things were going pear shaped. It hits a lot freaking different. A lot. Especially when you've been the one passing out letters and you have to stop and put some aside because they can't be delivered anymore. That will ruin your damned day.
Right after watching my son swear in and being in the car to make the trip back home... this song was the FIRST song on my radio. I had to stop. I'm not really an emotional man, but this hit me.
This song brings me back to when I was in the Vietnam War in the Navy on a ship in the middle of the war receiving letters from home from my girlfriend sisters or family members every time I hear it I think about those days
I just wanna say thank you for your service to our British soldiers and our American soldiers . I just wanna thank them for their service much love respect from this Irish ☘️ girl who lives in the UK . So to American soldiers and British soldiers thank you for your service
Hey hey dude, I texted you before on the video you did with about Gordon Lightfoot record of the Edmund Fitzgerald. I’m watching this one man I really appreciate being a veteran 83 to 87. This song gets me choked up man to see your respect for veterans for the servicemen again man respect.
As one of the mail clerks for my unit, mail was THE most important thing during deployments. Never underestimate the way a letter or card can chanfe someone's day. 💜🇺🇸
Sent boxes every payday to my husband for 1 year in Iraq and for 1 year with our kid in Afghanistan. I still work with groups that take care of Vets. Keep spreading Jesus he is real and there for us.
We had a young Marine in Afghanistan who hadn't gotten a letter in almost six months. I had everybody in the platoon mail him one. You could see the change in his morale immediately, and he had a completely different deployment from that point on.
My first time hearing this one, loved it!! There is one singer I haven't hear you do is Micky Gilley of any song, It has been a long time since I have heard him, He is only one of two that I have seen in person in 1980.
I write letters to my grandson in the Army. He loves to get mail. They can't always have a cell phone, but letters can be carried all the time, as is my love and respect for him and all the others who serve. I send extra Christmas Cards for him to hand out to others. America 🇺🇸 Strong 🇺🇸 ❤
Sebs. Loving your music. I’m 71 years old and have been listening to this musi all my life and still now. Here are some others that are amazing. Crystal Gale-Eddie Rabbitt, “You and I. Gato Barbieri, Europa, James Ingram & Patti Austin, How do you keep the music playing., Otis Redding, Try a little tenderness, These arms of mine, Change is gonna come, Tower of Power. Stevie Wonder, You & I. You’ll love this stuff.
Thank you for doing this song. I emigrated from Mexico as teen. I decided to enlist in the Army at 23 to thank this country for the opportunities it had afforded me. This turned into a 21 year long career in the Army. This decision also led me to meet my wife in Kuwait. I deployed seven times, and letters from home always refilled my cup.
Our son had two tours in Iraq. 13 months the first time and 12 the second.
My big gruff matter of fact husband sent our son a letter and a care package EVERY week.
My son loved candy cigarettes so my hubs found a bunch and sent them. We found out later, our son was selling them for ridiculous amounts of $. 😂
My son and I surprised my hubby with a leave.
We were in a restaurant and our son came and slipped into the booth next to his dad.
My husband lost it.
I still cry thinking about it 17 years later.
Thank you and your son for his service and God bless you 🙏
Thank you to your son for his service.
God bless your son, and his parents! Thanks for his service.
Thank him for his service, and that story melts my heart. The absolute best.
Thank you husband for his service and your family’s sacrifice.
I served six years in the navy during Vietnam. I was overseas for two and a half years and the letters from home was all I had. No phones, no email, no internet. Thank you for playing this song.
USMC 69'- 72' All we had were letters, even the Dear John letter I got.
Thank you for your service and “Welcome Home!” ❤️🇺🇸
Thank you for your service
Thank you for your service!
Welcome home soldier 🫡
I didn’t know my biological father growing up. When I served in Iraq he sent me letters and that’s how I got to know him. He was a disabled Vietnam vet. Purple Heart from a hand grenade.
Every guy or girl in the world wants their dad to be proud of him and that's why this song hits us so hard
Served for 20 years in the US Army and loved every minute of it. Now enjoying retirement after working hard for my family.
Thankyou so much to you and your family! Thankyou to everyone who serves! Love you all!
Thank you Stephen❤
Tim McGraw -if you’re reading this ..
Yes, this! I was going to suggest this song!
He did that song like a year ago
Yes.
If your reading this , makes me cry every time I hear it. Brings me back to every time I would take my Nephew to the airport for another deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan, 6 deployments in all with his Marines never knowing if it was the last time I'd see him. Very hard on the family's left behind. Thankfully he came home but many did not.may God bless them and they're family's. Now I'm getting ready to send my oldest Grandson off to the Army come August and it'll start all over again. God Bless the USA.
Love This song and Tim McGraw if you're reading this
I went to Kandahar Afghanistan when I was 17. I turned 18 just 16 days after we touched down. When I came home and heard this song it really got to me. I am now 40 and have still never had my father tell me he is proud of me. So I still cry every time I hear this.
Semper fi brother. We are proud of you you did a good job
Thankyou to you and your family! Your family sacrifices just as much as you!
"8th of November" By Big & Rich always hits me hard. I grew up during the Vietnam era. My cousin was over there right in the thick of it. I remember my aunt, his mom, watching the nightly news in hopes that she'd see Randy in some of the battlefield footage. He made it home but died years later from non-Hodgkins lymphoma caused by exposure to agent orange.
My Daddy was there too and we lost him to non-hodkins lymphoma
@@libertybell8852 I'm so sorry. All war is awful, but that was a truly ugly one.
8th of November is one of my favorite songs of all time
Every letter from moms are treasured; a rare letter from a generally non-demonstrative dad just has a little extra punch.
Thanks for reviewing my suggestion Sebs. As a retired Vet with 32 years and a father of 4, I lost my dad to cancer before my two deployments so I never got to get his take on that. So this song kind of guts me and it was the reason for my suggestion and the two tips. You did not disappoint with your reaction. You continue to impress me.
Skip
Thank you for your service God bless you ❤
As a Retired Marine, this song has always reminded me of how we always looked forward to the mail coming in.... both in the field or even just in the various training camps. You are cut off from your family for extended periods of time, so every letter means so much more than anyone who hasn't been there can realize. I still have all my letters 30 years after getting out of the Corps, I read them again every now and then when I am remembering and honoring what I and my brothers been through.
Please don't forget about all us women that served in the military. Proud soldier US Army 1978-1982. Field medic.
Thank you!!!
I wish there was a ❤ button! Thank you for your service.
As a two tour combat veteran of Vietnam we loved you. You always have our respect.
Thank you all for your service!
I don’t ever comment, but those letters and packages when you’re deployed on the other side of the world are everything! They bring so much joy and tears having a piece of home with you. I’d always carry my family’s photos and letters on me. Thank you for your reaction and your support. They’re more appreciated than you know!
My Father died when I was 1 year old. My Mother remarried when I was young to my Dad. He died about 9 months before I retired from the Marine Corps. I don't remember a time when he told me that he was proud of me. My Mom said that he told her, but it would have been good that he told me directly. Don't THINK that they know you love them and are proud of them. TELL THEM!
Makes me cry everytime. US NAVY Vet- 22 years. Loved letters from home when I was on deployment. This song is amazing!
I have never heard my dad say he was proud of me but during boot camp he sent a letter saying it and it destroyed me emotionally. 20+ years later it's still the only time he has said it.
I'd never heard this before. This song needs a tissue warning. Good song for mother's day and father's day, too.
Those letters mean so much. It's been more than 30 years since my husband and I sent letters back and forth. I still have all of them.
I’m a NAVY vet and this song hits hard. I got mail from my mom and girlfriend almost everyday. But that one letter I got from my MARINE father was like an acceptance only boys and dads have. I wipe my eyes everytime I hear this song. Go NAVY!! 🫡🇺🇸
Hi, I'm a disabled Combat vet. I can tell you it wasn't just letters from my actual home, but also letters from all over the country addressed to a soldier that keeps you going. I responded to everyone, and if from my home town area, I went to the classrooms and schools of those kids. People don't think the first Gulf War was as important yet myself and many of my friends can tell you differently. I was proud to serve if I could, at 58 yrs old, I'd do it again. I am thankful there are Americans like you to be an example of those who choose to be Americans. God bless, bro. To you and yours.
Active duty Army here. Deployed 5 times, OIF '07-'08, OEF '09-'10, '12-'13, 2014 and OFS '18-'19. I love this song and the father's part gets me every time. I prefer hand written letters over emails any day of the week. It so much more personal, in my opinion. Thank you for the love and support you have for us out here. Your appreciation definitely doesn't go unnoticed 🇺🇲🇺🇲
We lost my son in law in OIF & he now rests with his 3rd Regiment Old Guard brothers watching over him at Arlington. My daughter, his wife, is 1 yr from full military retirement Army Combat Medic! Hooah! 😘
I appreciate your on going support for the military. I served 22 years on active duty in the Navy. Retired 2010.
I deployed in 1990 to Iceland and 1989 to Spain before iPhones and I still have the letters from home GO NAVY!!!!
Thank you for your service and God bless you 🙏
Cmon... Iceland isnt a deployment. Yeah you're not on a ship but it had A bowling alley, NEX, and a Wendys! lol I was in the AF stationed there 92-93. Don't take my comment seriously, just giving you crap! ;)
@steves.6519 right?! Lol! My dad was in Vietnam and used to give his nephews a hard time about their deployments to places like Iceland, France, etc. Lol
Thank you to our soldiers. The ones that serve, have served and have given their lives for us.
Thank you to the families that sacrifice too.
My nephew was in Special Forces and served 20 yrs. I don’t even remember how many tours he done in so many countries. I feel guilty now after seeing this video that I didn’t send him more letters and care packages from home. He was always appreciative. I did make him a Quilt of Valor for remembrance with his name, his deceased brother and his best friends who were killed on his last tour. That was really bad for him because they had been together in all of the bad tours. We were so proud of him but also glad when he quit after 20 yrs. He suffers daily now from old injuries from service. God bless our military!
Thanks for your service to All the veterans and active duty military!❤❤
This song hits different, I remember being on a call to my dad at the MWR in Iraq, hadn’t really talked to him in a few months, the time difference is crazy…it was one of the only times I ever heard the words “hey….im proud of you”, held it together long enough until I we went back to my patrol base and I was alone in my CHU
I must have watched this 20 times. The dad's letter, and him tucking it into his shirt next to his heart, gets me crying every time.
My spouse, my sister, my brother in law (did 2 tours), my other sister (RIP), my cousin (RIP), my father in law, my grandfather, anoyher cousin are all veterans. I'm thankful to them every single day.
There ain’t nothin funny when a soldier cry’s….
That punches hard. I was there in the early 90’s. Before emails, FaceTime, or texting. When I was stationed overseas, it would take 2-3 weeks for my letters to reach my family and another 2-3 weeks for a response. I spent many nights, as well as many other Marines, laying in my bunk with tears in my eyes missing my family.
And yes, I still have every one of them (the letters).
this song gets to me all the time. my dad was the dad that said you make me proud after my time that i served. we never talked like that to each other. less than a month after that talk i lost him to cancer. i miss him everyday. given the chance i would re-enlist i dont regret my time. even with the three bullets i took.
My son recently retired from USMC, did many tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He went in right after high school and I was always so worried about him that the whole time he was at boot camp, I sent him a letter every single day. He did tell me how the drill sergeant used those letters to make fun of him and when he graduated that same drill sergeant came over to me and told me how great my son was. I was such a proud Mom then and so much more now. I knew then how much those letters meant. Brings tears to my eyes every time I think about it. God Bless Our troops and all the families that sacrifice and support them.
My dad served 20 years in the navy. He used to be gone 6 months at a time and we loved getting letters from him.
I’d like to share a story about this song here.
First time I ever heard it was on 2003 or 4 I was on guard duty in Baghdad in our zone. I had a small radio and at night the Armed Forces Radio played country. I heard this and it hit hard. Did t know who sang it and never heard it again until I was leaving Iraq and was in the community shower in Kuwait. A guy came in with a big radio and the song started. It ended and another guy said Hey man play that song again”. It was dead quiet in the random community shower while that played again. About 15-20 guys in there.
God Bless our Troops 🇺🇸
God Bless our Vets 🫡
I served 20 years when letters were the only means of communication. Letters ( except Dear John, which I also received ) were cherished.
J L Canaday, LCdr, USN ( Ret )
Our son has been an Army Ranger for 20 yrs. Deployed to Middle East 7 times. We weren't aloud to know his location so had to send packages and letters to the Army wives to forward for us. It's a hard life for them. One most of us we'll ever know. We're very proud of him!❤🇺🇲❤
Thank him for his service, and for everyone's sacrifices. 🇺🇲 Many blessings ❤️
John Michael Montgomery is known for some real tear jerkers but great songs. I don't think you can go wrong with any of his songs. My wife used to send me homemade brownies when I was deployed in the Navy. My shipmates would gather around the box just like in the video. Memories.
Was at a young soldiers funeral two years ago and the final verse (“from his dad”) was played as they carried his casket to the graveside. Gutting.
God bless all who serve and all who love them 🇺🇸
As a son who never heard his father say he was proud of me or that he loved me until I was headed into the Navy, the end of this song always gets to me too. Thanks for playing it. ❤
Some things never change, this song could apply to any soldier in any war.
T. Boyte
GySgt. USMC, retired
Vietnam 1965-66/1970-71
Infantry unit leader 0369
One of the best things about country music is it's about real life. Another great Kentucky artist
So often, as a soldier away from home, the mail from home is what keeps you going.
I was in Korea when the Towers came down. I was part of the advance group of 1st Cav during OIF II.
One of my favorite songs ever! My son is a Recon Marine, and this song really hits home!
Bruh.. i just clicked on this video because, idk, I'm on some youtube reaction video hole, but as soon as I geard you wish everyone a happy fathers day, I was like oh boy... This man is in for something here today .
Both my sons served, my dad, Papa, and so many in the family. I made sure both my boys always sent care packages (extra for the buddies), and they both said they always loved the letters.
I remember being in middle school writing letters to my big brother in Marine boot camp always using the brightest neon paper to brighten his day or slightly embarrass him a little 🤭
My husband was deployed twice as an infantry Marine and he has told me the same story about the few times his dad has said he’s proud of him and being a Marine was one of them. He’s now in the Army and thankfully we haven’t been separated but like that. A rumor is one is coming but praying it stays a rumor 🙏🏻
Your patriotism is infectious Sebs!
My grandfather WW2, my father Korea, my aunt and uncles Vietnam, me IranConta, my son and daughter in law Afghan and Iraq and still active. My brother also served. Mail was so important to all of us.
I sent this CD and one by Toby Keith when my husband was in Iraq with an CD player. Also a picture wallet with mine, our daughter’s, and our son’s voices. He came home and I had to get him new CD’s. He left his for his replacements. We were lucky.
This song cam out right before my first tour in Iraq and those letters made a huge difference for me while I was in country each tour that I did. I did 2 tours in Iraq and it the letters and calls were what got me through both of those. Thank you for reacting to this song.
i have watched this video 100s of times. I cried as a kid relating this to my dad and I still cry as a dad today. Incredible song
My husband is a Cold War Veteran of the Navy. Whenever he talks about his service to our country, he tells everyone that my staying home, taking care of the home, the bills, and having two kids that I raised sometimes couple months at a time. He says I'm a veteran,too! ❤🤠⚓🗽
Been active for 12 years now. Insane how fast time flies, but I swore in for people like you, I just wish everyone was like this. You are the reason I serve and will keep serving! Thank you, my brother. You are amazingly awesome ✌️
They did their research when they wrote this. Spot on! At my wedding in 04 my best man talked about the letters from home. And yeah, we went back again. Together. And our ladies were waiting for us. Moms and Pops too!
That d@#n third verse...
The five most emotionally charged words to ever pass across a fathers lips: "Son, you make me proud." When my Dad said that to me, the avalanche of emotion was so strong that I, to this day, don't know how to describe it: it simply WAS.
.
I miss you, Dad.
This song is so real to me. My self mom, and sisters setting around the table writing letter to my brother's. Had five brother's serving this great country. My husband also was> serving. Lots of letters from home was mailed out everyday from our home.
When a member of our family becomes a missionary we all try to write as much as possible. Your comments about being a missionary reminded me of how cherished letters to home help sustain family left behind. There is definitely not the same type of anxiety/worry as when a family members drploys on a tour of duty but still we want to know how they are doing and that they are alright. We want to hear about their trials big and small and their spiritual growth. The letters are precious both to and from home.
You might have already done this one but if not Toby Keith song Red White and Blue Angry American is a very patriotic country song
I remember when I was on deployment, and receiving a letter from my parents, and my girlfriend at the time, made my whole week. I served in the Navy, and mail call wasn't on a well maintained schedule. Not receiving mail, would become very isolating. My son currently serves in the Navy, and I make it a point to talk to him as much as possible. I need him to know, he is not forgotten.
Love. This. Song! I was fortunate enough to be one of the soldiers in this video (the one who hands off the letter), and even as we were shooting it, we all knew it was going to be something very special. When I saw the final cut for the first time, it totally blew my expectations away!!!
That last part always gets me no matter how many times I hear it.
I found this song while my son was deployed. My son was deployed several times to the big sand boxes in the middle east. I would send him local made beef jerky and homemade things every week. This song and Private Malone grew to be two of my favorites. I have all the letters my father wrote home when he was in WW2. Those will always bring tears to my eyes when I read them and the stuff he went through.
Seb, I'm so happy to see that you as a younger generation to me , I'm 82 yrs old are enjoying what my gneration listened to in the 50's plus love to hear that you are also enjoying country western music, in the 60's I got into country western, wasn't a fan of the folk songs, I would love for you to check on 2 songs by Merle Haggard I really think you & your beautiful wife would like them, they are Twinkle Twinkle Little Star & Started Loving you Again or a 3rd one Silver Wings, back in the 70's the 2nd song was dediated to me from a guy I was dating. Really enjoy listening to you on UA-cam. Pat M.
Did 2 tours in Iraq and it was always special getting letters and care packages from loved ones but this song hit home ,me and my dad wasn't really close and it took almost 3 years after I came home for him to tell me he was proud of me but when he said it we was as close as we ever have been and I thank God we are close now. Love you dad!
Thsnkyou to all those who have served, am serving and will serve! Thsnkyou to all their families who also sacrifice! God bless you all. We love you!
Proud 153rd Cavalry vet here. The letters and occasional phone calls from my wife and parents were massive uplifters for all of us. I was never in a “combat zone” but still being overseas is always tough.
I server in Desert Storm in a MASH unit. Taking care of our military men & women is my proudest achievement.
This song super hits me. Soldiers these days don't realize how hard and isolating it was and how getting letters from home were so special. Like he said keeps you driving on. I also had that kinda dad also so I can relate so much.
We would send care packages to the soldiers once s week. Always included notes and reminded them that regardless of what the see if hear on the news, we support and respect them. I always choked up writing them... God bless our troops and veterans.
I still have all the letters that my husband and I wrote back and forth when he was in Desert Storm. When he deployed to Bosnia, from where we were stationed in Germany, I was teaching at the Army Dependents' middle school on post. We were allowed to use this new technology, that at the time was only available to the Department of Defense. It was email. I still remember the very first email I ever sent and it was to my husband in Bosnia. This was about 3 years before the internet was a thing.
Oh! This one’s a tearjerker!
My daughter's friend was captured by the enemy. We saw a video of him surrounded by his captor's he looked so scared we learned later that he was already dead before they released the video. His body was found four years later . i still have nightmares about it. he was captured in 2004 his remains were not recovered until 2008. We love and miss you everyday.
I was truly touched by your reaction to this video. Your comparison of the military life to your missionary life - the need for "letters from home" to keep up your commitment and courage - was a touching way for you to try to sympathize AND empathize. Your comment that you got to choose to be an American was also interesting in that you have such respect for the military members who have, and will continue to, commit to guarantee our way of life. When I was in high school, in the early-mid 70s, there were programs to have us write to military members. I've always been a pacifist, yet I participated because I respected those who committed even part of their lives to serve, and those who were drafted despite their personal beliefs. I often wonder, nowadays, if people ever write to military members, in this day and age of texting and emailing. I hope so. A tactile piece of paper, that can be "tucked into my shirt", can be read even when there's no WiFi - it is still the best thing to send.
As a vet from Iraq I cry every time! I appreciate this song so much!
As a former Submariner (many years ago), crew members were lucky to get a "family-gram" (short message much like old telegrams that come across the antenna when able) once in a while, During my 10 years, I received only two family-grams...which made it really hard for me then and even now; certain things just don't fare well with me when I see them.
I will say that John Michael Montgomery is an artist that I have listened to since he came on the music scene.
I was 47 years old when my Dad told me for the first time, that he was proud of me. We had had our battles (male ego stupidity. LOL) and when he told me that he was proud of me (I had just finished and was granted my Master's degree), we hugged for the first time in a very very long time...
Songs like this one are what music is all about for me. The song tells a story and evokes an emotion or invites the listener to connect to the song from personal experience(s).
I served with Skip 😊 I appreciate that you shared your thoughts on this song. I still have all my letters from my deployments and even basic training.
When I was deployed care packages were EVERYTHING!! You'd be surprised how motivating it can be to get a letter from your mom. Sometimes I'd get a care package from some kids for a school project or something and it would be packed with candy, cookies, razors and other stuff that we'd need out on deployment. It was always nice to get a letter from a kid that I didn't know and they didn't know me but showed me love.
When I was deployed my dad sent me a letter I’d never forget. “I’ve never told you but I wanted to be a Marine when I was a kid. You’re my hero son. I love you, stay safe”
My husband served in the Marine Corp. He did two tours to Iraq. He could not listen to this song for years because he lived this. I tear up myself thinking about his emotions to this song.
My dad served, USMC, in Kuwait during ODS, and my mom wrote daily & I did the same when I dated a Navy corpsman. It does make a difference. Its a heart wrencher lol for sure.
This song came out when I was a little kid. One of the post 9/11 anthems when GWOT kicked off. Here I am, ten years later, two military branches later, and this song still makes me cry every time. The letters from home are what kept some of us going. The verse that always gets me is “I might not have said it, so I’ll say it now. Son you make me proud.” Wrecks me every time.
John Michael Montgomery was huge in the 90s. He's got some songs that you should listen to with your wife. Rope the moon, I swear, I can love you like that, the little girl, be my baby tonight are just a few
When I was in basic training that mail call was a great sound. It helped to remind me why I was there.
If you were able to watch this with dry eyes. I pray you can eventually take down the wall you’ve built and your heart opens to be able to show emotion. Tears cleanse the soul. God bless your soldiers and their families.
My husband has been an active duty Marine for 19 years now. We have four children and it has been a long road no doubt. Country music by far has more patriotic songs than any other genre. They sing about real things and they know how to get you right your feelings. Great song to react to!
I can understand you relating being a missionary as your closest experience. I think the biggest difference for us veterans is never knowing if you'll still be there to receive the next letter. Nobody talks about that part, but we all thought about it, especially when things were going pear shaped.
It hits a lot freaking different. A lot. Especially when you've been the one passing out letters and you have to stop and put some aside because they can't be delivered anymore. That will ruin your damned day.
Right after watching my son swear in and being in the car to make the trip back home... this song was the FIRST song on my radio. I had to stop. I'm not really an emotional man, but this hit me.
Trace Adkins - Semper Fi
This song brings me back to when I was in the Vietnam War in the Navy on a ship in the middle of the war receiving letters from home from my girlfriend sisters or family members every time I hear it I think about those days
I just wanna say thank you for your service to our British soldiers and our American soldiers . I just wanna thank them for their service much love respect from this Irish ☘️ girl who lives in the UK . So to American soldiers and British soldiers thank you for your service
Hey hey dude, I texted you before on the video you did with about Gordon Lightfoot record of the Edmund Fitzgerald. I’m watching this one man I really appreciate being a veteran 83 to 87. This song gets me choked up man to see your respect for veterans for the servicemen again man respect.
Or family has served for four generations. Daddy, me, husband, daughter, 2 son-in-laws and a grandson. This song gets me everything.
I am an Army veteran and when I was looking for letters from home this song tugged at my heart
As one of the mail clerks for my unit, mail was THE most important thing during deployments.
Never underestimate the way a letter or card can chanfe someone's day. 💜🇺🇸
Sent boxes every payday to my husband for 1 year in Iraq and for 1 year with our kid in Afghanistan. I still work with groups that take care of Vets.
Keep spreading Jesus he is real and there for us.
those care packages mean the world, thank you for your dedication
We had a young Marine in Afghanistan who hadn't gotten a letter in almost six months. I had everybody in the platoon mail him one. You could see the change in his morale immediately, and he had a completely different deployment from that point on.
John Michael Montgomery "Sold"
My first time hearing this one, loved it!! There is one singer I haven't hear you do is Micky Gilley of any song, It has been a long time since I have heard him, He is only one of two that I have seen in person in 1980.
I write letters to my grandson in the Army. He loves to get mail. They can't always have a cell phone, but letters can be carried all the time, as is my love and respect for him and all the others who serve. I send extra Christmas Cards for him to hand out to others. America 🇺🇸 Strong 🇺🇸 ❤
Happy belated Father's Day! You're a good one❤ it's a hard holiday for me since I lost my dad in 1992.
Sebs. Loving your music. I’m 71 years old and have been listening to this musi all my life and still now. Here are some others that are amazing. Crystal Gale-Eddie Rabbitt, “You and I. Gato Barbieri, Europa, James Ingram & Patti Austin, How do you keep the music playing., Otis Redding, Try a little tenderness, These arms of mine, Change is gonna come, Tower of Power. Stevie Wonder, You & I. You’ll love this stuff.
Thank you for doing this song. I emigrated from Mexico as teen. I decided to enlist in the Army at 23 to thank this country for the opportunities it had afforded me. This turned into a 21 year long career in the Army. This decision also led me to meet my wife in Kuwait. I deployed seven times, and letters from home always refilled my cup.