Today is Memorial Day and I hope you take the time to recognize that we should reflect upon those who proudly served and protected our great land. There are many songs of patriotism, but I thought today I'd highlight my opinion on the Top 10 Memorial Day songs, after the National Anthem. I consider that the most patriotic song, but these are the ones that fall in line after that from 10 through 1.

10. I am a big fan of the Dropkick Murphys and recently came across this amazing version of 'The Green Fields of France' which was about World War I.

9. I love the movie 'We Were Soldiers' and this tribute about soldiers standing their ground exemplifies the readiness to defend and fight for the ground to ultimately win the battle, even if it means the ultimate sacrifice.

8. Tim McGraw may have had some recent controversy, but there is no question on asking him about his patriotism, especially when he wrote 'If You're Reading This, I'm Already Home.

7. Trace Adkins brought one of the most contemporary patriotic and special songs dedicated to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in 'Arlington.'

6. Country artists just seem to capture the spirit of patriotism and I think every soldier that goes into battle, probably puts together a 'final letter' to some loved one and Merle Haggard talks just about this.

5. I once spearheaded a tribute to World War I with Tony Gallagher of the 40/8 in front of the Pettis County Courthouse after the final 'Doughboy' Frank Buckles passed on. I was humbled to read 'Flanders Field' for everyone, which was usually ready by Ike Skelton. I still consider Ike to have read it better, but here it is in song and tribute.

4. I remember to go see 'Tops In Blue' many times as an Air Force Brat and a few years ago Lee Greenwood played in Clinton and Whiteman Air Force Base. 'God Bless the U.S.A.' certainly deserves a top 10 listing.

3. I think this song tells the spirit of the elite of the 'Green Berets' and what they do. No further explanation needed.

2. The next two I'm sure when you attend a funeral of someone who has served, you're bound to hear it. I love the bagpipes when it can be done and certainly any version can easily bring a tear.

1. How Could #1 be anything other than 'Taps' When it plays pause, reflect and remember. This version even has a short explanation of what it's about from none other than John Wayne along with the words, which may not be as heavily known. For if we don't remember, we won't recognize the sacrifices made. To all those who have gone before us, thanks for taking up the torch and fighting for what was right and just, whether it be the War on Terror, Gulf War, Vietnam, Korea, World War 2, World War 1, War of 1812, Civil War, Revolutionary War or any other unmentioned conflict, we stand together and thank you for keeping our country free, because of you the brave.

I personally like the bugle version and remember hearing it everyday when the flag was taken down for the night at the bases I was stationed at with my parents. So here are those 24-notes, which means so much.

Let me know your favorites in the comment section below and link them.

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