Keni Thomas - Flags Of Our Fathers (2004)

"Flags of Our Fathers-A Soldier's Story" is a collection of songs written by Thomas that tell stories inspired by life in the military and those who serve our nation. Working with Grammy-winning producer Brent Maher and Mark Selby, he uses his unique insight to bring these memorable songs to life and tell a story as only someone who has experienced them can.

Keni Thomas is an artist with a uniquely inspiring personal story. As an Army Ranger and member of the elite Task Force Ranger assault unit he fought in the Somalia battle recounted in the book and motion picture, "Black Hawk Down". SSG Thomas received the bronze star for valor and the combat infantryman's badge. After leaving the Army, he worked as a counselor in an outdoor therapeutic program for troubled youth and formed his band Cornbread. Thomas worked as a military advisor and appeared on screen in "We Were Soldiers" as a squad leader beside Mel Gibson and, he and his band Cornbread were featured in the film "Sweet Home Alabama".

"Flags Of Our Fathers" (with Carolyn Dawn Johnson) is like a tribute to past and present members of the military, because the lyrics are about how if it wasn't for them fighting for our freedoms, we wouldn't be able to enjoy seeing Old Glory waving. Though a guy's mom begged him not to go, in "Hero," he sets off to fight for his country only to end up giving his life for the USA.

Seeing the world courtesy of Uncle Sam was all a young kid wanted to do in "Gloryland," while his friends wanted to be sheriff or play baseball. Blackhawk adds much depth to the song's chorus: "Woah, we are all just scattered souls by every step." "Prove Them Wrong" is a fun tune about a love that people thought moved too fast but they didn't care because they knew it would last.

Kenny Rogers joins Keni on the song, "Circle On The Cross" which is a story told from the perspective of a son of a soldier who was held by the Viet Cong in Vietnam. The soldier's wife held out hope for a couple years but moved on to another man because she had to pay the bills & raise her son. "Last Band Of Brothers" is a touching story song where an old man by the graveyard tells Keni about his time in the service. Keni would visit him but the last time there was an extra stone in the ground & he knew that the man had gone on to be with his friends in Heaven.

Track List:

01 - Flags Of Our Fathers
02 - Hero
03 - Why Me (Vince Gill & Emmylou)
04 - Send Me (Shawn Mullins)
05 - Gloryland (Blackhawk)
06 - 7 Days (Michael McDonald)
07 - Prove Them Wrong
08 - Fight I Couldn't Win
09 - Circle On The Cross (Kenny Rogers)
10 - Last Band Of Brothers

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