There are probably hundreds of patriotic songs that praise soldiers, discuss battle, or protest wars. The messages told through these songs can be blatant or subtle. It all depends on the artist and his or her motives.

I think all can agree, however, that while war may not be a glamorous answer to the world's problems, we must stand behind those persons who, day in and day out, have our backs and keep us free. Today's list of songs doesn't include any anti-war anthems, but rather those songs that pay tribute to our American soldiers. Everyday these men and women are caught in the action of kill or be killed. And as the beginning of one of these songs so perfectly puts it, "greater love hath no man, than to lay down his life for a friend."

"Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue" -- Toby Keith

Toby Keith might be the most patriotic son of a b*tch not in uniform in this country. If he were president, the world would be worse off, but I guarantee no mother f*ckers would dare to f*ck with the f*cking U.S. of A.

Memorable Lyric: "You'll be sorry that you messed with the US of A, Cuz we'll put a boot in your ass, It's the American way."

"8th of November" -- Big & Rich

Most songs written about Vietnam have been protests. This song, however, is a portrayal of one soldier's journey, Niles Harris, as he and his platoon, the 173rd Airborne, were attacked on November 8, 1965. Harris was one of the few wounded soldiers who survived as he watched 48 of his brothers lose their lives on the battlefield.

Memorable Lyric: "With the fire rainin' down, And the Hell all around, There were few men left standin' that day."

"Fortunate Son" -- Creedence Clearwater Revival

And now here is a song that protests Vietnam and more specifically how men born into privilege dodged the draft while the poor were sent to fight the war.

Memorable Lyric: "It ain't me, it ain't me I ain't no senator's son son, It ain't me, it ain't me; I ain't no fortunate one no."

"Chicken Fried" -- Zac Brown Band

The song isn't entirely about our soldiers but it is a good tune and the one verse gives love to our boys overseas.

Memorable Lyric: "I thank god for my life, And for the stars and stripes, May freedom forever fly, let it ring, Salute the ones who died And the ones that give their lives, so we don`t have to sacrifice, All the things we love"

"Soldiers" -- Drowning Pool

This song goes to show you that you can hate war but love the American warrior. Also, it has been said that their song "Bodies" is a soldier favorite at Boot Camp (can someone corroborate?). I don't know why, though, it's not like that song is filled with rage or anything.

Memorable Lyric: "Gut tight, hold steady. Bellicose, and ready. There is no compromise, Your pain, your worth, your sacrifice, On your feet, who's with me?" 

"Citizen Soldier" -- 3 Doors Down

I don't particularly care for this song from a "I can listen to this over-and-over again" standpoint, but it sends the right message. So who cares if it lulls me to f*ckin' sleep?

Memorable Lyric: "Hope and pray that you never need me, But rest assured, I will not let you down, I walk beside you, but you may not see me, The strongest among you may not wear a crown"

"Danger Zone" -- Kenny Loggins

It's hard to believe the guy who brought us "Footloose" had this anthem in him. The song was written for "Top Gun," but you when this song comes on you can't help but to think about the Air Force… and how much you hate that no one calls you Ice Man.

Memorable Lyric: "Highway to the Danger Zone, Gonna take you, Right into the Danger Zone."

"Taliban Song" -- Toby Keith

Yeah, like I said before, some countries would cease to exist if he were at the helm.

Memorable Lyric: "So we prayed to Allah with all of our might, Until those big US jets came flying in one night, And they dropped little bombs all over their holy land, Man, you should have seen them run! Like rabbits they ran, The Taliban"