Letter from the Vet·Net™ Founder
Merry Christmas from the Veteran Legacy Network!
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Home for Christmas, by Paul Beran
The header of this edition of VeteranLegacy.com starts with a graphic depicting a widow of a fallen soldier being escorted to her husband’s grave at Arlington Cemetery holding a Christmas wreath. The caption says, “I’ll be home…if only in my dreams.”
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Of course, most of you will recognize this excerpt from the title and lyrics of the song, “I’ll be home for Christmas” by Bing Crosby. But there’s a much richer legacy to this song than being a huge Bing Crosby hit.
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"I'll Be Home for Christmas" (official Bing Crosby video) song was originally written by lyricist Kim Gannon and composer Walter Kent to honor soldiers overseas who longed to be home at Christmas time.
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The song was sung from the point of view of a soldier stationed overseas during World War II, writing a letter to his family. In the message, he tells his family he will be coming home and to prepare the holiday for him, and requests snow, mistletoe, and presents "on" the tree. The song ends on a melancholy tone, with the soldier saying, "I'll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams".
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In the midst of World War II, the song touched the hearts of Americans, both soldiers and civilians, and it earned Crosby his fifth gold record.
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In 1945, the U.S. Dept of War released a “V-Disc” of I'll Be Home for Christmas along with White Christmas by Bing Crosby for the Special Services Division of the US Army.
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I had the personal pleasure of interviewing Bing’s wife, Kathryn Crosby and Mary Crosby, their daughter, who detailed how Bing came to record White Christmas.
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"I'll Be Home for Christmas" still captures the hearts of many who long to be home for Christmas. Its theme of yearning for home and family continues to make it a beloved holiday standard, often associated with military service members and anyone far from loved ones.
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This video provides more context on the song's origins and significance: https://youtu.be/yIc5c9gir9Y?si=Bssn1qrQEhrvzbmm
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Here’s another great video by Ronald Clancy:
https://youtu.be/wI3YpNRC7N4?si=0wR9boh2Slq_SbQr
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In essence, "I'll Be Home for Christmas" became more than just a song; it has become a cultural touchstone for a nation grappling with separation and loss, carrying the collective hope for peace and reunion.
May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you wherever you may be: deployed or at home.
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Respectfully yours,
Paul Beran
Executive Director
Veteran Legacy Foundation
About Paul Beran
VLN Founder and Executive Director
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As President/CEO of Advertel, Inc., the national marketing company Beran founded in 1983, Paul contributes more than five (5) decades of expertise in corporate leadership, media, and branding to the VLN. His comprehensive experience in branding, content creation, audience development, digital media, and strategic communications serves as the cornerstone for the network’s media operations and brand advancement.
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Throughout his distinguished career, Paul has played a pivotal role in guiding multiple organizations toward growth and innovation within the dynamic media landscape. He has led successful local and national branding initiatives, overseen high-impact campaigns, and cultivated strong collaborative relationships across diverse teams and industries. His commitment to continuous improvement and adaptive strategies has enabled him to steer companies through evolving media trends and technological changes.
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Paul’s vision for the Veteran Legacy Network arises from an understanding that veterans’ stories and experiences warrant a distinguished platform—one that both honors their service and delivers meaningful support to meet their ongoing needs. By combining his leadership acumen with a genuine passion for storytelling and advocacy, Paul continues to drive the network’s mission to amplify veterans’ voices and foster a community that celebrates their legacy.
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