Reasons to celebrate life come in many forms: the birth of a child, finding God, release from prison, getting married, winning the lottery, or just sitting under a tree and appreciating your existence on earth. In 1970, while on guard duty in Viet Nam, I made a vow to myself: if I ever got out of there alive, I would always cherish the life that I have. Many of us know what it means to make a promise like that based on our individual circumstances.
In 1994, a young boy in Chicago took the life of a young girl. Then two young boys took the life of that boy, and another young boy took the life of a baby boy, and it went on and on and on. My thoughts about my time in Viet Nam had become a distant memory. But when I read about those children, I was filled with anger at how easily we take life for granted, and it brought my vow back to me as if I had made it yesterday.
That anger is why I wrote this piece. Fanfare for Life is my celebration of life, and my answer to that anger.
On Veterans Day, I offer this piece to those who served, and to everyone who is still here to celebrate. I hope each of you finds a reason to celebrate life, in whatever way the music presents itself.