Today marks my official induction into the Sons of the American Revolution alongside fellow compatriot James Cotton. Adding a unique touch to the milestone, our national certificates bear the date of July 4, 2026. National Registrar General Keith Weissinger shared that leadership made the strategic call to have all July certificates signed on Independence Day this year—an exceptionally fitting management decision.
During our local chapter meeting, we routinely recite the Pledge of Allegiance, the SAR Pledge, and the SAR Recessional. Inspired by these traditions, I wrote a new song titled "Promise to My Country," weaving all three pledges into a single lyric. It is the 100th composition that I wrote and produced this year. Today marked its private debut at the SAR meeting, and it was warmly received by the chapter. This new unreleased track is included below.
This piece serves as a direct companion to another song I completed last month, titled "My Country." While that song explores what liberty means to me and my hopes for national improvement, "Promise to My Country" acts as the personal pledge to help make those dreams a reality. Together, they are modern companions to the Journey to Liberty suite.
"The spirit of [the Revolutionary War] was fueled by patriotic songs that echoed through the ranks. While history remembers 'Yankee Doodle,' the true heartbeat of the march was 'Chester.' Written by William Billings, one of our first great composers, it became the second most popular song of the Revolution. And Billings wasn't just a composer; he was a musical rebel who believed that diversity in sound was the only way to truly capture the American spirit."
— From George Washington’s introduction of ‘Chester’ on Journey to Liberty
In keeping with this belief of my distant kinsman, I also created an unreleased experimental album featuring 50 distinct versions of "My Country" across various musical styles and cultural traditions, all using the exact same lyric. Titled E Pluribus Unum, the project explores how identical words evoke entirely different emotions when voiced by Americans of diverse backgrounds. Three of those tracks are included below so you can experience that contrast firsthand.
Lastly, I just completed a 16-page Discovery Companion for this music, consisting of 2 new modules that support learning, reflection, and discussion on the modern-day meaning of liberty, and its personal application. As with Journey to Liberty - Discovery Companion (which you can learn about and download free of charge here), this new volume is also my gift to the country. You can download a complimentary copy of My Country: E Pluribus Unum - Discovery Companion here. It is subject to the same Terms of Use as the previous Discovery Companion.
MY COUNTRY
My Country
My Country Version 2
My Country Version 3
At this time of celebration
it seems to me
That many feel apprehension
a shift away from freedoms given
And a lack of hopeful vision
for the future of our nation
To me my love of country
is more than just waving the flag
Or feeling emotional about something
that someone here has accomplished
It’s not pride in things that defy
the values that I cherish
I have to now consider why
civility has been demolished
The country that I love
stands for truth and liberty
And has respect for every person
no matter what they believe
I want it to again become
a place of peace and unity
This is the dream I share
a nation truly great and free
The home I love and will defend
the place I call
my country
I believe that there’s a reason
for standing tall
And participating in the season
of memories and patriotism
To honor those of lofty vision
who formed the bedrock of the nation
To me my love of country
is more than just waving the flag
Or feeling emotional about something
that someone here has accomplished
It’s not pride in things that defy
the values that I cherish
I have to now consider why
civility has been demolished
The country that I love
stands for truth and liberty
And has respect for every person
no matter what they believe
I want it to again become
a place of peace and unity
This is the dream I share
a nation truly great and free
The home I love and will defend
the place I call
my country
There are some who might not listen
or agree with hope and reason
While others feel they’ve been betrayed
by hateful words or actions taken
But all are here on common purpose
to live above the stormy surface
And see the good that hides beneath
while living truth that sets us free
The country that I love
stands for truth and liberty
And has respect for every person
no matter what they believe
I want it to again become
a place of peace and unity
This is the dream I share
a nation truly great and free
The home I love and will defend
the place I call
my country
Promise to My Country
Promise to My Country
In remembrance of those who made
sacrifices for the liberty of our country
In its war for independence
this is my promise in their honor
I commit to preserve and protect
the principles that keep us free
From sea to shining sea
maintaining peace and security
When I proclaim my loyalty
to the United States of America
Symbolized by the banner
of stars and stripes
I will stand for the republic built
on a divinely inspired foundation
at the beginning of
our newly united nation
That guarantees
the blessings of peace
and liberty
and justice for all
I will always fulfill my obligation
to support the principles of liberty
Those contained in our founding documents
which protect all people within our country
When I proclaim my loyalty
to the United States of America
Symbolized by the banner
of stars and stripes
I will stand for the republic built
on a divinely inspired foundation
at the beginning of
our newly united nation
That guarantees
the blessings of peace
and liberty
and justice for all
This is what my promise means
described in words and feelings
It has become my northern star
to help me serve my fellowman
from the center of my heart
This is my promise to
my country