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The younger sister of an American soldier in Iraq has become a huge hit on YouTube with her musical plea to see her brother.
On the popular video sharing website, the clip of six-year-old Heather Martin singing a ballad to her older brother Shaun has already received 1.7 million hits, and it has become one of the most requested videos of December on YouTube.
The song was a result of the girl’s disappointment when she found that her brother would not be back for Christmas. As a gift, she and her mother recorded the song at their local church in Oklahoma and uploaded it onto the internet.
Many attribute the song’s success to the way in which it relates to families affected by the war.
"It's opened a lot of hearts to let out some things that people have been holding in,” explained the Rev. Jennifer Long of the family’s church, Cache First United Methodist Church, according to the United Methodist News Service (UMNS).
Written from the viewpoint of her daughter, mother Cindy Martin created the tune, titling it "When Are You Coming Home?" and the two performed it during church service.
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The lyrics are as follows: "When are you coming home, Shaun? / When are you coming home? / We lit up the house like we always do / But it doesn't seem right because we can't hug you. / In my prayers I ask God to keep you safe. / And I'm trying to be really brave. / Tell me that the fighting's through. / Come home! / I really miss you.”
The song has also become a major visited resource by soldiers overseas, as well as other clips which help them stay in contact with their families back in the states.
"Of the key things that I think resonates with soldiers is that it brings a little home to them," said Nolan Watson, mayor of Cache and fellow church attendant, according to UMNS. "It's very personal. It reaches out and touches you."
The mother-daughter duo have released additional songs onto the website, receiving a good amount of clicks, however, much reduced. They have also been asked to perform at other surrounding churches.
Churches and their congregants have played a key role in comforting those that are missing their loved ones or grieving over loss due to the war. They have provided the emotional support that many are lacking.
Spc. Shaun Martin is scheduled to return home sometime in 2007.
