Editor’s Note: Country-music singer Rod Stordy lives in Winnipeg, a leading city in Western Canada. From there, he approaches the spotlight with an extra-special song. Rod, age 40, holds memberships in the Canadian, East Coast and Manitoba Country Music Associations. By day, he’s an electrician who previously lived in Toronto, Calgary, Victoria, Summerside and Surrey.

By Rod Stordy

WINNIPEG, Manitoba, Canada – On a sunny September morning, I received the grim news of my bother-in-law’s death.

The conflict in Afghanistan had touched our home in the most profound way. My brother-in-law had died with three fellow-soldiers when their vehicle hit a roadside bomb.

Remembering his love for Canada and his family inspires me to release the song “He Died For Love” as my first single to hit the airwaves.

My brother-in-law always showed a passion for his career in the Canadian military. He did many tours of duty overseas. And I can’t help but wonder how each of the families of the other soldiers killed that day received the news that their loved one had gone forever.

Brian Dolph and Larry Tilander wrote “He Died For Love”. There’s a long history of military service in Brian’s family. Like me, he uses the song to honor the memories of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

From the late 1960s until 1973, Brian’s father was stationed at the Canadian Forces Base in Summerside, Prince Edward Island. Being born and raised in Summerside, I felt an immediate attraction to his song and what it meant for my family too.

Battle raged that September night.
Bombs bursting in air, painted a blood-red sky.
Thought he saw his momma, in a flash before his eyes.
The world went dark, a young soldier dies.
He died for love of country, he died for love of life.
He died for his momma, he died for you and I.
He died for our freedom, he died for God above.
He died for love, he died for love.
From “He Died For Love”, Written by Brian Dolph and Larry Tilander, Recorded by Rod Stordy, 2008

That song packs too much power to leave on a shelf. The words contain a great message that needs to echo around the world. Our soldiers die to keep the peace at home and abroad. Each death gives a stark reminder of how precious our freedom is.

I’ve spent more than a year on “He Died For Love”, getting it ready. While performing this great song in memory of each fallen soldier, I dedicate it to their families. Maybe the song will touch other hearts as it does mine. I hope it helps people to find peace in their hearts.

Thanks to Brian for providing this song so I can try to deliver its vital message. A portion of my CD sales will go to an organization called Support Our Troops and its fund for military families.

For more information: www.rodstordy.com

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