I was there. This was the funeral for my great uncle Somkey Smith. I remember him not as a war hero, but as a fun guy to go fishing with, and eating dinner with with him and my Grandpa, his brother. He was a hero to many, to me, he was a really cool, fun uncle. Never talked about his time in the war. The only thing he ever said about war to us, is he hopes no young people ever have to go through what he did. RIP in Uncle Smokey! Miss fishing with you, smitty 2!
A haunting, beautiful and appropriate way to send off a hero. Britain as a nation should forever be grateful to Canada for the bravery, courage and endeavor of her soldiers in both World Wars. They performed superbly whenever and whatever they were called to do. Canada should never forget that in WW1 its troops, who fought alongside their British counterparts out of loyalty to Commonwealth and Empire, played a far greater part in the victory of the Allies than did their American neighbors.
Even being an American, I agree with you. While I take pride in my country's contribution (if somewhat small), I realize that we got off easy, and I respect the sacrifices made by all the Commonwealth troops that fought in WW1.
Bantha121 Yes, It was a different situation in WW2 where Britain could not have launched a meaningful offensive without America. But in WW1 the victory was largely a British Commonwealth and French one.
+TheSmithDorian in WW1 america joined in the last couple of months and when they had the wall street crash later on, it sent germany crazy as they had no more money. america also had decided to help germany out(hence why germany had to pay america back at the wall street crash but america had given more money to germany than germsny had paid in reparations. amrica really sucked in WW1 but they made it up for europe in WW2. :) no offence meant please. i am french myself and we took the brunt of the force
+StudioStuff " but they made it up for europe in WW2" What? America sat by for over 2 years while Germany invaded and occupied 8 free sovereign nations and oppressed over 100 million people. Despite all the tyranny and brutality of the Nazis, the US never declared war on Germany - even after their ally (Japan) attacked them. The only reason why the US fought in Europe was because Germany declared war on America in 1941.
TheSmithDorian better than sitting down and eating a cheeseburger in my mind. and please excuse me for my misguided comment you have proven me wrong and please accept my apology i was under a different impression and thank you for correcting me.
A pity indeed, it would have been very fitting to have sung the second verse too, and as an English Briton I for one am eternally grateful for the noble sacrifice of all Canadian & other Commonwealth citizens for coming to our aid in our darkest days! Sons amongst sons!
Really very beautiful. A pity not to sing the second verse though as it would have been very appropriate for Canada. I heard my country calling, away across the sea, Across the waste of waters she calls and calls to me. Her sword is girded at her side, her helmet on her head, And round her feet are lying the dying and the dead. I hear the noise of battle, the thunder of her guns, I haste to thee my mother, a son among thy sons.
One of the best videos I have seen for this great song. Very respectful. Also the soprano has a very clear and sustained voice: not gasping between lines and she adds just enough vibrato.
I was there.
This was the funeral for my great uncle Somkey Smith.
I remember him not as a war hero, but as a fun guy to go fishing with, and eating dinner with with him and my Grandpa, his brother.
He was a hero to many, to me, he was a really cool, fun uncle.
Never talked about his time in the war.
The only thing he ever said about war to us, is he hopes no young people ever have to go through what he did.
RIP in Uncle Smokey!
Miss fishing with you, smitty 2!
Whatever country we are from we should never forget those that gave the ultimate sacrifice. God bless them!
Rachel Landrecht's voice is a divinely soothing balm
A haunting, beautiful and appropriate way to send off a hero.
Britain as a nation should forever be grateful to Canada for the bravery, courage and endeavor of her soldiers in both World Wars. They performed superbly whenever and whatever they were called to do.
Canada should never forget that in WW1 its troops, who fought alongside their British counterparts out of loyalty to Commonwealth and Empire, played a far greater part in the victory of the Allies than did their American neighbors.
Even being an American, I agree with you. While I take pride in my country's contribution (if somewhat small), I realize that we got off easy, and I respect the sacrifices made by all the Commonwealth troops that fought in WW1.
Bantha121
Yes, It was a different situation in WW2 where Britain could not have launched a meaningful offensive without America. But in WW1 the victory was largely a British Commonwealth and French one.
+TheSmithDorian in WW1 america joined in the last couple of months and when they had the wall street crash later on, it sent germany crazy as they had no more money. america also had decided to help germany out(hence why germany had to pay america back at the wall street crash but america had given more money to germany than germsny had paid in reparations. amrica really sucked in WW1 but they made it up for europe in WW2. :) no offence meant please. i am french myself and we took the brunt of the force
+StudioStuff
" but they made it up for europe in WW2" What?
America sat by for over 2 years while Germany invaded and occupied 8 free sovereign nations and oppressed over 100 million people. Despite all the tyranny and brutality of the Nazis, the US never declared war on Germany - even after their ally (Japan) attacked them.
The only reason why the US fought in Europe was because Germany declared war on America in 1941.
TheSmithDorian better than sitting down and eating a cheeseburger in my mind. and please excuse me for my misguided comment you have proven me wrong and please accept my apology i was under a different impression and thank you for correcting me.
I feel a British tradition. I am impressed by the singing voice of the splendid high-pitched tone.
This is how it should be done. I want to see her sing the hymn every Remembrance Day.
Thanks for the upload, being a Canadian seeing this and hearing it brings me honour and happiness to be who I'm.
Beautiful song sung for a man who represents many who should never be forgotten.
A pity indeed, it would have been very fitting to have sung the second verse too, and as an English Briton I for one am eternally grateful for the noble sacrifice of all Canadian & other Commonwealth citizens for coming to our aid in our darkest days! Sons amongst sons!
Really very beautiful. A pity not to sing the second verse though as it would have been very appropriate for Canada.
I heard my country calling, away across the sea,
Across the waste of waters she calls and calls to me.
Her sword is girded at her side, her helmet on her head,
And round her feet are lying the dying and the dead.
I hear the noise of battle, the thunder of her guns,
I haste to thee my mother, a son among thy sons.
One of the best videos I have seen for this great song. Very respectful. Also the soprano has a very clear and sustained voice: not gasping between lines and she adds just enough vibrato.
Best vocal version on RUclips.
Beautiful. Sung with real meaning. My all our fortresses be faithful hearts!
Sung with real feeling. Thank you.
Beautiful! What a singer... What a tribute!
Thanks for that Keith - for me that was emotional . It's heart warming to hear of a bloke who does it right, right to the end.
I agree, this is fantastic.
Very moving!
Thank you! A great song sang beautifully.
It is crying without crying.
Gorgeous, touching... still sopping up the puddle on the floor.
Amazing.
God Bless you Smokey...
beautiful and powerful...
God bless... From a free English brother...
wordless
respect!
Wow!
Beautiful.... =' )
Well said!!
Needs to be the UK national anthem
She should have sung the second verse and not repeat the first... is there anything more fitting for a VC holder than the second verse?
why Canadian hero resting covered with Pearson's pennant?
Yep! A True Canadian nationalist either Royal Union Flag or Red Ensign!
amusing
Lovely song but they have a woman sing it in that high octave OHHHHHH!!! that I can never understand most of the words