Distant Glory is a patriotic song that pays tribute to those who have fought and died in service to our country. It was written by Pam Martin & Brian Terrell in 2000 and first aired on the Armed Forces Network on Memorial Day 2002.
Distant Glory: The story behind the song:
In 1998 then City Councilman Larry Duncan initiated the first Dallas Veteran’s Day Celebration in 49 years. The event drew over 100,000 people and led the way for an even larger event the following year. Distant Glory was initially written as a poem by Dallasite Pam Martin, after attending the 1999 celebration, along with her 20-year-old daughter, Jennifer Gibbs, who served as the official photographer.
Ms. Martin, like many others in attendance at the event, could not help but notice her daughter’s constant tears, as she photographed the thousands of veterans who marched before her. Near the end of the day a reporter told Jennifer he had been watching her cry all day – and asked her why. She replied, “Because I had no idea of what so many people have given so that I could be free. I’d just like to hug them all and say, “Thank you”.
A few days later, Ms. Martin was sorting through the photographs Jennifer had taken and came upon one of a young man carrying our flag. It reminded her of the day she and her daughter had shared – sweltering heat in mid-November, Veterans marching with pride as the crowd cheered them on; ROTC groups, military units, high school bands – all parading down the street and each being led by our flag. Several people had fainted from the heat, but the flag bearers stood strong. The image spurred a realization – of the burden that the members of our Armed Forces must bear for all of us –to serve, protect and defend our country - and inspired Ms. Martin to write the poem.
2 1/2 years later, Ms. Martin went to a local coffeehouse to hear a friend, Brian Terrell, perform. After hearing his compositions, she approached him about writing music to go with her words. That conversation began a collaborative effort which has resulted in a meaningful tribute to those who have ever served…or fought…or died – so that we could be free.
Distant Glory has already been recorded by two artists, Mr. Terrell, the song’s co-writer, and Robert Phipps, a Waxahachie resident. While the recordings are very different in style, both versions are powerful and moving renditions which recognize the members of our Armed Forces, past and present
On Monday, May 27th, the Armed Forces Network (AFN) at SHAPE *, Belgium, will air the tribute to servicemen and women, as they broadcast
Distant Gloryfor the first time during their special Memorial Day Salute. Ms. Martin says, “It will be a wonderful opportunity to honor those for whom this song was written. We are grateful to Sgt. Dave Larsen, Station Commander and to Ms. Judy Lam, Counselor of the American Elementary School, both at SHAPE, for making this moment possible. We hope our song conveys our deepest respect and appreciation to those who have – and who are now, fighting for our freedom”.