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US Army Pfc. Jesse Givens died in Iraq in the service of his country on the first of May, 2003, in his 34th year. He wrote this letter to his wife Melissa, his five year-old son Dakota (nicknamed 'Toad') and his unborn child Carson (nicknamed 'Bean'). He asked Melissa not to open the envelope unless he was killed. 'Please, only read it if I don't come home,' he wrote. 'Please put it away and hopefully you will never have to read it.' This piece was originally composed for Cantus, a male chorus, which performs it on tour all over the country (www.cantusonline.org). Melissa Givens approved this musical setting. A beautiful article that includes more of the original letter can be found at www.thefinalrollcall.us/stories/bye-bye.htm Andrew Garland, baritone Lee Hoiby, composer and pianist www.andrewgarland.com www.leehoiby.com Copyright Schott Music Corp. 2007

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