James Kimo Williams Unveils Symphony For Vietnam Veterans – A Tribute to Service and Memory

jayfer2 0 Comments March 13, 2025

Release Date: March 29, 2025

Available on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube, and other streaming platforms.

Physical copies (CD) available at: Omik Music Store and BandCamp

SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.V., March 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Composer and retired U.S. Army Captain James Kimo Williams is set to release Symphony For Vietnam Veterans, a powerful and deeply personal musical piece that encapsulates his reflections on his time in the Vietnam War. Originally composed as Quartet For The Sons of Nam and later arranged for a full orchestra in 1992, this 2025 release has been reimagined for string orchestra, offering a fresh and poignant interpretation.

“Music provides a unique way to reflect on history and personal experiences. With Symphony For Vietnam Veterans, I have sought to translate my memories as a Vietnam Veteran into a meaningful musical journey. This composition, first conceived as a string quartet, has evolved into a full orchestral expression of my emotions and recollections from the war.” – James Kimo Williams, Captain (Ret.), U.S. Army, Vietnam 1970.

A Musical Reflection on Vietnam

Williams’ inspiration for this symphony emerged in 1986 after participating in the Chicago Welcome Home Parade for Vietnam Veterans. The event reignited memories from his deployment, prompting him to explore his emotions through music. Over time, he has composed in various genres—jazz, country, and classical—each serving as a medium for storytelling and remembrance.

Honoring Service Through Music

This release aligns with and was inspired by Kimo’s attendance at the 2012 United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration proclamation event, an initiative authorized by Congress and led by the Secretary of Defense to recognize the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. The commemoration extends through Veterans Day 2025, honoring service members and their contributions.

Williams’ composition reflects the commemoration’s second objective: “To highlight the service of the Armed Forces during the Vietnam War and the contributions of Federal agencies and governmental and non-governmental organizations that served with, or in support of, the Armed Forces.” In response, he meticulously reorchestrated and renamed his work to ensure its resonance with this historical milestone.

A Journey Through Music and Memory

The symphony unfolds in four chapters, each representing key moments from Williams’ Vietnam experience—from his arrival in 1970 to his departure eleven months later. To accompany the audio release, Williams has also created a music video featuring personal photographs from his deployment. Additionally, program notes detailing each movement’s narrative are available in the YouTube description.

Watch the official Symphony For Vietnam Veterans video: Watch Here

For more information, including artist biography, CV, and high-resolution images, visit: JamesKimoWilliams.com

Media Contact:

James Kimo Williams

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.omikmusic.com

Phone: 304-582-1487 (Text preferred)

About James Kimo Williams James Kimo Williams is a composer, musician, Fulbright Specialist, Composer of The Year, Chicagoan of the Year and cofounder of the Lt. Dan Band. He is a retired U.S. Army Captain committed to using music as a means of storytelling and historical reflection. His works have been performed internationally, spanning multiple genres. Through Symphony For Vietnam Veterans, he continues to share his experiences and honor those who served.