WWII Veteran Becomes Songwriter at 101

Irving Locker, a World War II veteran, has taken on a new role as a published songwriter at the impressive age of 101. Just a day before his birthday, he released his first song, “If Freedom Was Free,” in collaboration with Big Machine Label Group and CreatiVets, as reported by the Associated Press.

Locker, who was part of the Normandy landings on D-Day, collaborated with singer-songwriter Bart Crow and the duo of Johnny and Heidi Bulford, both of whom lend their voices to the track. The poignant lyrics in the chorus, “If freedom was free, there wouldn’t be a mountain of metal and men under Normandy,” encapsulate the song’s powerful message.

Reflecting on his mission, Locker shared, “I have to talk about things like that. I got nothing to gain. But people have to know and appreciate the fact that they’re living because of men who died. It comes from the heart, not the lips.”

Having lectured in classrooms and even spoken at the White House, he remains dedicated to reminding others that freedom comes at a price.

Writing the song brought him an “unbelievable” thrill he had never expected, and he emphasized music’s significance in his life, enjoying not just his own creations but also those from other artists.

At 101, Locker still finds time for dancing with his wife of 77 years, enjoying jitterbug and cha-cha sessions. “You should see me on the floor even now,” he remarked, expressing gratitude for his longevity.

“To be very honest with you, I was never conscious of God until the war,” he confessed. He added, “But I came so close to dying that I learned how to thank God and use the simple phrase ‘But for the grace of God go I.’”