Local aide takes song on the road

GETTYSBURG, Pa. -- "It is just a simple song, from a simple American."

That is how David Stancliff, a legislative aide for Rep. Scott Ogan, first introduced "We Shall Rise" at the Lincoln Forum in Wasilla shortly after the Sept. 11 disasters.

On Nov. 19, that simple song, an anthem of healing for Americans, was performed live and released on CDs at the annual ceremony in Gettysburg, Pa., commemorating the delivery of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address in 1863, and on the same day, 50 miles away in Harrisburg at the 11th annual Pennsylvania Fire & Emergency Services Conference.

The song was recorded at Catalyst Studios in Gettysburg, with local and well-known national artists volunteering their time and talents, and the studio and other backers doing their share at bare material costs to promote the project.

Those working on the project traveled to Gettysburg from such distant places as Maine, North Carolina and California.

At least half the proceeds of sales of the CD will go for direct relief to help the families of firefighters who were victims of the Sept. 11 attacks.

"After the performance (in Wasilla)," Stancliff said, "a silver-haired lady stopped me in the parking lot. She went to her purse and pulled out a $50 bill and asked me to use it to get the song out to the nation. When I moved to give it back, she sternly said 'no' and said there would be more help to come. I am still amazed at how this song opens hearts and doors, and I still get choked up singing it."

Stancliff, who moved to Alaska from his native Vermont about 25 years ago, took leave of his job as an aide for Ogan, and, with the encouragement of his wife Susan, brought the song to Gettysburg.

"I brought the song to Gettysburg because the power of healing Lincoln delivered here in 1863 is needed now more than ever," Stancliff said. "I never dreamed it would actually be performed where he stood, on the day the world remembers him and his address, as part of the official ceremonies."

At the same time "We Shall Rise" was added to the program for the commemoration of the Gettysburg Address, John Brenner, head of the Pennsylvania firefighter and emergency service workers, invited a live performance of the song and the sale of CDs at that organization's program, which was also held on Nov. 19. Pennsylvania state Rep. Steve Maitland, who visited Stancliff in Gettysburg, said he wants to hear the song performed in the Pennsylvania State House.

"All I can say is we have a great country and when everyday Americans unite, the results are incredible," Stancliff said. "This song came through me not from me. Those forces moving it along are far above my poor power to add or detract -- I'll guarantee it."

A nationwide tour, with live performances and sale of CDs in fire house around the country to raise more funds for the families of fallen firefighters, is planned for early next year, Stancliff said.