Posted on 12/06/2018 8:54:25 AM PST by iowamark
IRISH TENOR Ronan Tynan delivered another moving, powerful performance that touched onlookers far and wide at the state funeral of George HW Bush.
The performance came just days after Tynan paid a special visit to the bedside of the 41st President in the final few hours of his life.
Surrounded by friends and family, Bush could be seen reportedly mouthing along as Tynan sang Silent Night and an Irish Gaelic song for a man who held him in the highest esteem.
Tynan's close relationship with the Bush family is well documented. The 58-year-old Kilkenny-born vocalist performed at the 8th birthday of George HW Bush, at the second inauguration of George W. Bush and at a St. Patrick's Day reception with President Bush and the Irish Taoiseach at the time, Bertie Ahern.
His performance in front of a packed-out congregation of dignitaries from the world of politics and beyond at the National Cathedral in Washington DC, however, may rank among his very best.
You can watch Tynan’s performance and the entire state funeral below. Ronan first performs around 1 hour 10-minute mark and again at around 1 hour 50 minutes on the video below.
Tynan's rendition of Last Full Measure of Devotion, a song inspired by the words of another American President, Abraham Lincoln, and The Lord's Prayer provided the perfect send-off for a President who enjoyed an illustrious career.
Tynan's efforts were made all the more powerful for the fact they were accompanied by the Armed Forces Chorus and the United States Marine Corps orchestra.
It was a performance that garnered an incredible response online with many watching on at home taking to Twitter to voice their appreciation for Tynan's efforts...
‘The Last Full Measure of Devotion’ lyrics:
In the long and honored history of America
There are names that shine like beacons in the night
The Patriots whose vision gave us meaning
Who kept the lamp of freedom burning bright
In the long and honored history of America
There are those that paid the last and final price
Who were called upon by chance, or desperate circumstance
To make the ultimate sacrifice
A grateful nation bows its head in sorrow
And in thanks for guaranteeing our tomorrow
The last full measure of devotion
That’s what they gave to the cause
The last full measure of devotion
And though they cannot hear our applause
We honor them forever and keep alive their story
Pay tribute to their lives and give them all the glory
The last full measure of devotion
Beyond the call of duty were their deeds
The last full measure of devotion
They gave themselves to serve the greater need
And for those who did survive
And came back home alive
They join in praise of comrades who were slain
And highly resolved, most highly resolved
That these dead shall not have died in vain
I wonder where that whole “Killing Kennedy” business got him placed?
10 years ago, Tynan used to sing the national anthem at Buffalo Sabres’ hockey games.
obviously, he moved on to bigger and better things...
He sang at President Reagan’s funeral.
This was one of the best performances I’ve ever heard of any song, anywhere. Really, really amazing.
One of my top 10 CDs:
bkmk
The complaint is usually that “traditional” music sounds too dirge-like. They want “happy” “up-beat” songs.
I personally don’t like the 7-11 music, and I’m sick of church being treated like a concert which blows out my ears.
He sang God Bless America many times at Yankee Stadium.
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