'Before You Go' strikes a chord with Vets …song dedicated to Veterans draws fans around the world

DELRAY BEACH, Fla., May 4 /PRNewswire/ -- When songwriter "Dr. Sam" Bierstock discovered that World War II veterans were dying at the rate of 2,000 per day, he teamed up with musician John Melnick to write a song to raise awareness and keep the memories of these heroes alive. "Before You Go" is a moving tribute to veterans that is resonating around the world on the web site http://www.beforeyougo.us/ where the song has been downloaded more than four million times and people have written to express their appreciation.

"We've been astonished by the gratitude we've received from veterans and their families from all over the world," said Dr. Sam, who also created a patriotic slide presentation to enhance the impact of the song. "People are calling to request a copy of the song so they can play it at special events, at funerals, and for gifts for their loved ones."

A successful musician, songwriter and entertainer renowned for his act "Dr. Sam and the Managed Care Blues Band," Dr. Sam has plenty of experience writing music with a message.

But unlike some of his hilarious health care tunes such as "You Picked a Fine Time to Leave Me Blue Shield," the song "Before You Go" elicits tears instead of laughter. For some veterans, it marks the first time anyone has ever thanked them. As one grateful daughter wrote, "No one has ever thanked my father. I wish he were alive today to listen to your song."

Dr. Sam and John Melnick are receiving invitations to perform the song nationwide, including a VetAid event in Atlanta with performers Willie Nelson, Kenny Rogers and Trisha Yearwood and at a Memorial Day parade in Washington, D.C. Dr. Sam says it's his goal to get the song and its message of thanks to every surviving veteran of WWII as well as to their families and descendants.

Praise for the song has poured in from many sources, including Governor Pete Wilson of California who noted, "It's a beautiful and moving expression of the admiration and gratitude owed by succeeding generations who are the beneficiaries of the incredible effort, sacrifice, and courage of those who fought and won WWII and literally saved the world from fascism."