Washington, D.C. -- The U.S. Air Force’s Premier Rock Band Max Impact will release their newest original song this Veterans Day. The six-piece ensemble has explored new roots since their latest hard rock single “Find You” and created an organic southern crossover combined with a compelling patriotic message.
The inspiration behind the new song “This Flag” came quite naturally for Max Impact. The vision started when the group performed at the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., where the Star Spangled Banner: The Flag that Inspired the National Anthem is showcased. The almost 200-year old, 30 by 34 foot flag was raised by U.S. soldiers at the Battle of Baltimore in the War of 1812.
Long time Air Force Band veteran and electric guitar player, Senior Master Sgt. Matt Ascione, quickly composed the lyrics to the song after gazing at the same fabric that inspired our very own National Anthem. Of his inspiration, Ascione says, “‘This Flag’ was a bit different for me in that the words and story came to me within about a day. I realized that the flag was not just a symbol of a country, but a symbol of hope that springs from our inalienable rights of life, liberty, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness. On that day, I realized that the literal cloth didn't matter. As Americans, we're in this together...with each other, and for each other. To me, that's what our flag stands for, and I hope the song "This Flag" conveys that message in an inspiring way.”
The new single will drop with an accompanying, inspirational music video produced by musical director and keyboard player Master Sgt. Jonathan McPherson, who valiantly acquired a new skillset in a matter of just weeks. “At first, it started off rather slowly because I had to overcome a learning curve of working in a new video application,” he stated, “but fortunately, the video formed rather quickly. Personally, my favorite scene is the clip of the first responders holding the flag on top of the Pentagon roof and then the following clip where it is unfurled. This reminds me of how everyone pulled together as Americans after the tragic events of 9/11 and how the flag became a renewed symbol of hope, unity, and patriotism.”
This Veterans Day we recognize all brave men and women who selflessly laid the foundation of our nation and served with honor, and we thank those who continue to serve. Superintendent of Max Impact, Senior Master Sgt. Ryan Carson added, “Releasing a song on Veterans Day is maximizing our impact at its finest. Not only does celebrating Veterans Day go hand in hand with The U.S. Air Force Band mission to honor our veterans, but releasing a song like ‘This Flag’ on this very special day helps us to remember the ‘why’ behind our service. ‘This Flag’ takes you on a journey through all that is right in America; our people, its diversity, triumph in tragedy, and perseverance while defending the freedom which we hold so dear. Through all the changes in our Air Force throughout the 70 years of its existence, one thing has remained the same: our Nation’s flag.”
Since 1947, Airmen have raised their right hand and sworn to lay down their lives for the United States of America if called upon. Max Impact is continually humbled to represent all Airmen with unique experiences and diverse backgrounds, highlighting their stories through the soft power of music. “This Flag” will debut November 11th, 2017 to empower the never-failing red, white, and blue that continues to invigorate the hearts of citizens in the United States of America.