Enormous respect is owed to all our Military personnel. They have safeguarded our freedom, a debt that we can never fully repay, but one we can readily demonstrate our gratitude for—not just on Memorial or Veteran’s Day, but every single day.

Prepare yourself for an extraordinary rendition of “God Bless America” unlike any you’ve heard before. While it might sound like a biased opinion coming from me, the upcoming performance will surely send shivers down your spine, fill you with pride, and ignite an explosion of energy within you. This video serves as a poignant reminder of the deep reverence and appreciation we hold for our military.

Upon first hearing about this singing soldier, I had a feeling he was going to be remarkable, but I didn’t anticipate just how remarkable. Experiencing something as profoundly moving as this is a rarity in life, perhaps only occurring once or twice. By the end of his powerhouse performance, you’ll be inclined to salute this US Marine and extend a handshake. Undoubtedly, you’ll also feel an immense sense of pride for our country.

“God Bless America” holds significant historical significance. Originally crafted by Irving Berlin as a prayer, it gained life as a song when the iconic Kate Smith performed it in 1938. For those unfamiliar with this remarkable figure, Kate was dubbed the First Lady of Radio, boasting a career that spanned radio, television, and recording, reaching its apex in the 1940s. Her enduring popularity during World War II and her contributions to American culture and patriotism earned her the title of The Songbird of the South.

Irving Berlin, synonymous with the song itself, has a remarkable backstory as well. Born as “Israel Beilin,” he immigrated to America from Russia at the age of five. Before the age of 30, he had penned hundreds of songs, many of which became chart-topping hits. Over his illustrious 60-year career, he wrote an estimated 1,500 songs, including compositions for Broadway plays and Hollywood films, earning eight Academy Award nominations for his work. Learning about the industrious and successful journey of this American icon adds another layer of significance to “God Bless America,” in my opinion.

Take a moment to watch the video below and feel the tangible pride and electrifying energy emanating from this individual. Keep an eye out for the remarkable moment at the 1:48 mark—it’s bound to compel you to rise to your feet. Indeed, God Bless America, and amen.