Saluting the finest songs of a young nation

The American Battlefield Trust has announced the winners of the Songs of a Young Nation Music Competition, including Anastasia Lee, a Green Bay native and St. Norbert College graduate.

The contest, sponsored by the Trust and the Ray and Vera Conniff Foundation, called on high school and college-age musicians, as well as independent artists under the age of 30, to craft a song that showcased not only their creativity, but also captured the vibrant spirit of America’s first century, from the Revolution to Reconstruction.

“The creativity and historical reverence of our nation’s young people continues to be inspiring,” said Trust President David Duncan. “These beautiful works of art have provided a deeply meaningful way to connect to listeners of today with the Revolution and honor the bravery and sacrifice of our forefathers.”

Dozens of talented artists submitted moving and original pieces of music (opens in a new window), which were evaluated by a panel of judges including country music star and former Trustee Trace Adkins; Tamara Conniff, partner and CEO of Amplified Music Rights; Tommy Skeoch, musician and former Tesla band member; Dr. Billy Coleman of the University of Missouri; and Bret Werb, music collection curator at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.

They selected one piece from each category to receive a $3,500 cash prize.
Winning the Best Historical Treatment category was Lee with her song, “Battle Cry of Freedom.”

“I entered the 1862 song “Battle Cry of Freedom” and won the award for Best Historical Treatment… which admittedly was the category I was aiming for as I’m quite nerdy,” said Lee in a Facebook post. “After I got the notice that I won one of the awards, my mother got me a cake to celebrate. Many thanks to the ABT and the Ray and Vera Conniff Foundation for organizing and hosting this competition. Thanks also to the judges, Trace Adkins, Tamara Conniff, Tommy Skeoch, Dr. Billy Coleman, and Bret Werb. I am honored to help represent the USA for its 250th birthday.”