On Memorial Day morning, Classical WSMR will feature a march by Trinity resident Fred Faulkner.
It's a work The Florida Orchestra recorded recently.
On Mother’s Day, the Florida Orchestra played "The Ardennes March" by Faulkner, an amateur musician.
Faulkner's a survivor of the Battle of the Bulge. And his legs still remember the bitter cold and deep snow the U.S. Army had to suffer through to defeat Hitler’s last-ditch attempt at victory on the western front during World War II.
Faulkner underwent physical therapy to overcome the frostbite that still plagues his legs, to help him climb the steps to the stage at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park in Tampa.
He called the fact the Florida Orchestra was playing his composition the “crown of his life.”
The concert came on a warm evening and Faulkner got a standing ovation for his military service and his music.
RELATED: The Florida Orchestra performs a WWII veteran's tribute march at its free 'Pops in the Park' concert
It’s a work he wrote about 10 years ago to remember his comrades. He said it’s a shame that history and civics aren’t bedrock subjects in school now, because he says people need to know about the sacrifices made to protect the freedoms we enjoy.
The march was written for an odd mix of instruments in the concert band Fred played in for years.
It's part of his "American Military Suite," which includes "The Pearl Harbor Memorial," and "Vietnam Tribute."
Ross Holcombe, assistant principal trombone, arranged it for orchestra.
Faulkner says he hopes his music will play on, long after he’s gone.
