THAT OTHERS MAY LIVE
Concert Band, Gr. 5
Publisher Description:
The United States Air Force Pararescuemen are paid tribute in this powerful and moving work. While a particularly courageous rescue operation is the object of the work, all the brave men and women who risk their lives are respectfully honored.
Composer Notes:
The composition That Others May Live is a tribute to the Pararescuemen (also called “PJs” - short for “Pararescue Jumpers”) of the United States Air Force. They are the only members of the DoD specifically organized, trained, and equipped to conduct personnel recovery operations in hostile or denied areas as a primary mission. PJs are also used to support NASA missions and have been used to recover astronauts after water landings. They provide a selfless service to their fellow troops in all branches of the US military, as well as to civilians in danger. Their motto "That Others May Live" reaffirms the pararescueman's commitment to saving lives and self-sacrifice.
Of particular inspiration during the composition of this work was Senior Airman Jason D. Cunningham. SrA Cunningham was killed in Afghanistan on March 4, 2002 while saving 10 lives and making it possible for seven others who had been killed to come home. He was posthumously awarded the Air Force Cross on September 13, 2002.
Festival(s) List:
IN ISSMA High School Band Group I