There’s a long list of reasons why war veterans need to be appreciated and honored. They’ve fought hard and risked their lives just to protect our freedom and save our lives. They’ve won over fear, endured challenges, and conquered hardships just to allow us to enjoy what we have today.
For 89-year old Chelsea pensioner Colin Thackery, it wasn’t his bravery or the things he did for the country that he wanted to honor during his audition for Britain’s Got Talent. He actually chose to pay a really touching tribute to his late wife whom he lost about three years ago. His song choice will surely touch your heart.
Colin brought tears to everyone in the room with his moving story.
Colin spent about 25 years in the Royal Artillery. After marrying Joan, the love of his life, he eventually ended up going to Korea to fight. Despite being painful, they were separated for about two years.
During his stay in the army, Colin lost some of his hearing in one ear because of an attack. Despite that, he didn’t lose interest in singing.
In fact, it was the other way around. He actually spent more time performing in the army. He even joined in series of concerts while traveling to Korea.
His performances were pure fun. The troop would make a stage out of whatever material they could find and have others sit on the ground to be entertained. Even if Colin and his colleagues weren’t able to understand a word some of their friends were saying, they were clearly enjoying their music.
After the war, Colin reunited with Joan and they both joined and Operatic Society. Like him, Joan had a really good voice. They liked singing together.
With such a bond, Colin felt devastated when Joan died. However, that didn’t stop him from pursuing his passion and continue singing. Together with his Chelsea Pensioner friends, he took his chance and auditioned for Britain’s Got Talent.
Standing before millions of viewers his love shined beautifully for his late wife.
He wasn’t nervous at all, in fact, he stood tall and full of confidence. He chose to perform the 1982 classic Wind Beneath My Wings.
This song was first recorded by Kamahl for his album but it wasn’t commercially released as he didn’t feel that it would suit his western style. After Kamahl, several artists recorded the song.
The most famous version, however, was the one recorded by Bette Midler for the movie Beaches. After its release in 1989, it spent about a whole week at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 charts. It has also won Grammy Awards in 1990 and by 1991, it was certified Platinum. Up until today, you’ll find tons of people falling for the song.
It was raw and really full of emotions. Although there were no intense high notes, he was still able to make a strong impact on everyone watching him that day.
The entire room, including the judges, jumped to their feet in heartfelt applause.
The judges were clearly blown away and everyone in the audience was teary-eyed. It wasn’t just because he’s actually good at singing but it was because he was able to add meaning to the song’s lyrics.
The song is iconic, but this veteran’s version is absolutely spellbinding.
While Colin is a war veteran and clearly a hero to the country, his late wife remains his own favorite hero. It was a touching and heartwarming performance of a man admiring his beloved wife.
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