Twinkle Twinkle Freedom Star

In the News

A premiere unlike any other

By: Tony Regina, Managing Editor
RecordBreeze.com

11/10/2005

Ryan Mascio sat with a twinkle in his eye, one that generated as he witnessed a different "twinkle" develop before his eyes.
The moment proved truly touching.
"It meant so much to me. I couldn't be happier," the second Lieutenant said.
Mascio was one of many who attended the East Coast premiere of "Twinkle, Twinkle Freedom Star," a song written by a daughter and grandmother of a soldier serving in Iraq, on Friday, Nov. 4.
The event took place at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) in Stratford. Mascio, a member of the Association of Military Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (AMOPS), worked to bring the performance to UMDJ.
"Immediately, I thought to myself, 'This song would do wonders in the Stratford community," he said.
Students from Stratford's Samuel Yellin School sang "Twinkle, Twinkle Freedom Star" as part of a tribute to the soldiers serving America overseas.
The program also featured a video slideshow of soldiers in action as well as an instrumental reflection given by Occupational Medical Service (OMS) students.
Mascio, who's currently studying to be a military physician, stressed the importance of remembering those lost in war and how Friday's performance reflected just that.
"It doesn't matter who they are," he said. "When you hear that someone's died over there, it doesn't matter who they are. It still hurts to know a soldier's life is lost."
"Twinkle, Twinkle Freedom Star" tells of a child's wish for peace and freedom throughout the world as well as the safe return of soldiers. Friday's performance brought the song to life.
"It was really great to see," CDR Robert Prodoehl, a retired Navy veteran, said. Prodoehl, along with Mascio, spoke at the presentation, which served as a springboard into National Veterans Appreciation Week (Nov. 6-12).
AMOPS accepted donations for the Twinkle, Twinkle Freedom Star Benefit Fund, which acts as a means to support families with relatives overseas. The song itself was recorded, with all proceeds from CD sales going to the fund as well.
Afterwards, Mascio asserted how the performance of "Twinkle, Twinkle Freedom Star" reaffirmed his desire to be a soldier.
"This country has offered me so many opportunities. It needs to be defended," he said. "To have those feelings expressed in one song is something special."

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