Hymn to the Fallen | The Tabernacle Choir

The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square perform "Hymn to the Fallen" composed by John Williams.

Episode 4419. Aired May 25, 2014

[BASavage]

I first heard this when I went to see the movie "Saving Private Ryan". The theater was packed full of older men, most I assume were veterans of WWII, Korea and Vietnam (9/11 hadn't occurred yet.) This number played at the end of the film and when the lights went on I looked around and through my own tears I could tell there wasn't a dry eye in the theater. The power of music and imagery was made manifest that day in 1998.

[Twister]

I just retired after 24 yrs and 16 days of service. My retirement ceremony was one of the hardest things I ever did, but I was grateful, both to have served and to have been able to have the ceremony because each experience showed me how much I loved this beautiful country. I began my service, essentially, as a selfish mercenary who merely wanted to fly for a living but I left as a patriot. It may sound cheesy but I salute my brothers and sisters who also served. It was a privilege.

[Uncle_Dobby_Do]

I'm from Ukraine and I'm serviceman, like USGI. Glory to the fallen Heroes of the United States!! Thank to President of the USA, Government and all American nation for your support of my country!! May God bless you, dear friends!!

[ojofelixnm]

Best words I ever heard at Memorial Day service. "They gave all their tomorrows so that we could have today."

[DJH]

When I was a boy my father was in the marines and I used to hate the military for keeping him away from me, before he shipped out for the last time I pleaded with him why he couldn’t just stay home with me and mom, he told me that he didn’t want me to live in fear because men like Bin Laden existed, and he told me that he was always with mom and me no matter where he was in the world and that he would be with us that was the last time I ever saw my father alive, he was killed a few months before Osama was killed. Now I have nothing but respect for the military and its members. They gave away everything they held dear to them, in order to protect people they didn’t even know, and in particular, they gave up their lives to comfort a little

[RamblinRick_]

Every time I hear this, no matter who performs it, I am reminded that the price of freedom is not free. I'm retired USAF. The fallen are my brothers.

[catmac]

I am in tears as I write this. I had one grandfather who served World War I; the other (who died just last year) in World War II; and a stepfather who served in Vietnam. I have visited Arlington as well as Gettysburg, Vicksburg, and many other battlefields around this great nation of ours. I've also seen individual military headstones in civilian cemeteries in many different states. I am always moved to tears with gratitude for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for my freedom.

As the inscription of the chapel wall of the American military cemetery in Normandy so poignantly states, "Think not only upon their passing, Remember the glory of their spirit."

[grahambull]

Graham Bull.  My father was a regular in the Royal Marines and survived both the First and Second World War, dying in 1952.  I, a Soldier, survived the Second World War.
We are both saddened by the losses of colleagues we once knew and I'm absolutely sure that Dad, who appreciated beautiful music, as with myself,  find the "Hymn to the Fallen"  a most moving and apt piece.

[andreascalon]

As a US Army chaplain, thank you for this timely tribute to our fallen sons and daughters - patriots of freedom.

[robertdeanii]

Some give all. All give some. Thanks vets. I owe everything to you.

[tibialtuberosity]

Performed with reverence and deep respect for our fallen men and women of the armed forces.

[DonB.-Mulefivefive]

In the small town I use to live in is a cemetery, much like any other small town. I've posted some 40 or 50 American flags at the head stones of every veteran, simply because if we, as their brothers don't remember them, who will remember us? I'm pretty sure the people of Burns Oregon will appreciate it. I believe the thanks is due in large part to the ones who remember us now.

[billbright]

Lord, could you tell him,
he's more than a name on a wall.🇺🇸

[zqzidyc]

My Uncle Richard is buried in Arlington. Silver Star Bronze Star Purple Heart. He never spoke of his service. I found his Silver Star award letter. A very patriotic man.

[olftheterrible]

These performances of John Williams music are spectacular.

[UncleOafie]

Thank you Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Ssquare...and thank you John Williams.  I am in awe!

[katherinem.]

I love ❤️ this….one day, all will get the full credit for what they deserve, if not already. Loss is not easy to take, but we know that it sometimes happens when pursuing a great cause…life, liberty and pursuit of happiness for others….and for peace. “Greater love hath no man than this, than a man lay down his life for his friends.” In that, we can be comforted that it was not in vain, but for a necessary purpose. We know it is not easy, but it is for peace for all. Freedom is not free, like soldiers in the military will testify to us again and again, for they know deeply, firsthand. I honor my father who served in World War II, and lost military buddies. Every time a patriotic song was played, he got misty eyes. He, too, will get credit for helping to keep us free. Thank you, dad, we love ❤️ you for what you taught us over the years.

[musicalblueangel]

Interesting enough, it really sounds like a processional hymn for a cemetery service. John Williams really understands the depth of music and how much of a role it plays for cinematic movies. It's beyond imagination and I'm really glad to hear your rendition of it! Good job guys! :)

[hiddencitypictures]

I love how this was technically written as a simple song to accompany a movie (a drastic oversimplification), but has become it's own patriotic thing.

[vickmcfadden]

May America last until our Savior Jesus Christ comes.