In public school in the Bronx, after World War II, we gathered in the schoolyard, recited the "Pledge of Allegiance," and made way to the auditorium before classes.  There we sang the National Anthem and other patriotic songs.  Among them was one, "The Ballad of  Rodger Young," whose melody I found myself humming last week after so many decades. Who was Rodger Young, and who wrote the stirring music and lyrics? Young was born on April 28, 1918 in Ohio.  Of small and thin stature, only 5 feet, 2 inches, he was athletic and competitive.  During his first year in high school, in a trial game for the football team, he sustained an injury that left him unconscious and led to significant deafness and damage to his vision.  His disabilities forced him to leave high school during his second year. In 1938, at the age of 20, Young joined the Ohio National Guard, hoping to earn some money, convinced...(Read Full Post)