Though Merle Haggard never served in the military, his respect for America’s servicemembers was evident throughout his life—and perhaps never more so than in his moving rendition of “Soldier’s Last Letter.”

While Haggard’s 1970s version is the one most people remember today, the song has much deeper roots. “Soldier’s Last Letter” was originally written by Redd Stewart and Ernest Tubb. Stewart, a World War II veteran, drew inspiration from his own time serving in the South Pacific after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Ernest Tubb was the first to record the song, releasing it in 1944. It struck a deep chord with listeners at the time and quickly climbed to the top of the country charts.

How Merle Haggard Came to Record the Song

Decades later, during the Vietnam War, Haggard included “Soldier’s Last Letter” on his 1971 album Hag. His version reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and even crossed over onto the all-genre chart, a testament to its powerful message and timely relevance.

The lyrics tell the story of a soldier who pens a final letter home to his mother before being killed in combat. The heartbreak is palpable as the grieving mother clutches his letter and prays for the safety of every other soldier still in harm’s way.

When you hear Haggard’s soulful voice deliver the poignant lyrics, it’s easy to understand why this song touched so many hearts. His emotional interpretation, paired with the timeless words, remains one of the most stirring tributes to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

As we honor the memory of our fallen heroes this Memorial Day and beyond, songs like “Soldier’s Last Letter” remind us of the human stories behind every name and uniform.

Our deepest gratitude and prayers go out to all who serve.