A silent room filled with veterans in wheelchairs, a first note from an old wartime song, and suddenly everything changes—eyes brighten, stories spill out, and the past feels close enough to touch. We sit down with Kassie from Voices of Vets to unpack how live, era-specific music reshapes memory, mood, and dignity for those who served, from World War II to Vietnam and beyond.
Kassie takes us from a single July 4 performance to a growing nonprofit with nearly 200 musicians, now bringing free concerts to veteran homes, VA hospitals, and community events across states. She explains why song choice must match a veteran’s formative years, how research on music and memory aligns with what she sees daily, and the small design decisions that make a big difference—flowers during Let Me Call You Sweetheart, branch flags for safe service pride, and sing-alongs tailored to cognitive ability. We also explore the addition of dance, where a ballerina on pointe can hush a bustling hall and simple chair routines get everyone moving.
The stories stay with you: a man who hadn’t eaten asking for a milkshake when a prom song reaches him; a veteran holding his phone aloft so his wife in another facility can listen; grumpy mornings softened by Connie Francis and familiar refrains. Beneath it all is a truth we feel in our bones—music is a universal language, and human connection is not optional. This conversation champions arts in elder care, protects music for kids, and shows how one thoughtful performance can become true care.
🎵 Join the journey with Voices of Vets as they bring the music of service-era songs to life, honoring veterans one note at a time. 💛 Follow Voices of Vets on Instagram 🎶, Facebook 👍, YouTube ▶️, and LinkedIn 💼 to see stories, behind-the-scenes moments, and upcoming performances — and discover how a single song can spark memory, connection, and joy. ✨

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