|
Over the past few years, I have read numerous articles and heard many stories regarding the difficult conditions awaiting American soldiers upon their return to home soil. After bravely serving their country abroad, these young men and women come home to find, much too often, that the basic services they have been promised are nowhere to be found. Some of them have a very difficult time adjusting to life at home. Basic things, like holding on to a job, or even finding one, become much harder. While they work out post-traumatic stress issues, some are just seeking disability coverage and do not receive it. Without these basic treatments, depression, homelessness & thoughts of suicide are sometimes the result. It is shameful that once their tour of duty is over, our nation's obligation to watch over them often falls short.
Most of us are passionate about these issues, regardless of our political viewpoints / party affiliations, but feel that one person simply cannot make a difference. Being a long-time local musician with many contacts, I realized that maybe I could. This is how Freedomsong was born.
In February, 2008, I approached the good people at Veterans Inc. with my idea of a holiday benefit concert for the veterans. They were very receptive. I started contacting musicians & friends, and the response was overwhelming! The number of concerned and dedicated people that have jumped on board is amazing. Among them were Lisa and Brett Brumby of She's Busy, who have graciously volunteered their time and energy to help me get to the finish line.
Freedomsong is a way for Massachusetts musicians to say "thank you" to the troops, and to lend our talents towards raising money to help pay for basic Veterans' services, such as housing & long term health care, including mental health. It is also simply a way to raise awareness of these issues to the general public. Please join us in keeping the flame burning for Veterans rights.
Jim Perry
| 