As with most Americans, September 11, 2001 had a profound impact on my life. It made me realize how fragile freedom is and the obligation we have to preserve it. In thinking through these events, my mind drifted back to when our country was in its infancy. We were struggling to frame a Constitution that ensured freedom and liberty for all Americans. Seven members of my Reed ancestors committed to fight for our independence and helped establish our precious American values. But it wasn’t just my family; it was countless, unselfish individuals who joined the cause. This tradition has endured over all these years. Whenever these rights were threatened, patriots rallied and met the challenge - head on. They were soldier, sailor, aviators, marines and the Coast Guard. They were men and women who cherished this land, not only for themselves, but for their posterity. They were veterans. After mulling through the contributions they made, I felt compelled to write a song that salutes their achievements. This album, Proud To Be An American Veteran, is dedicated to all patriots who were “proud of this great land, proud they took a stand and proud they helped keep America free.” Bobby Reed