General Martin Dempsey sings 'Parting Glass' at his retirement ceremony

[@patjames4944]

The Parting Glass is a Scottish traditional song, sung at the end of a gathering of friends. It had also long been sung in Ireland, where it remains popular today. It was recorded in the Skene Manuscript, which is a collection of Scottish airs written at various dates between 1615 and 1635.

[@timcooke9933]

You can find prettier voices singing that song on KZbin, but you won’t find any rendition delivered with more emotion or symbolism. Well done, sir. Garryowen!

[@Roselleg]

When he sings of Comrades...the true meaning of the song comes out in his voice.

[@garryspence9438]

Charlie Co. 2nd of the 7th, 1st Cavalry, Vietnam 1970, Garryowen !

[@siobhanmcallen3506]

As an Irish person living in Ireland it gives me goosebumps listening to this, so proud of our Irish all over the world

[@tomdonohue2091]

THANK YOU! You made my day - I'm one of those who is of Irish descent. I was born a Murphy, adopted by the Garrick family and married a Donohue, I think that might make me triple Irish?? LOL - blessings to you, with love from California, USA! I am proud to be Irish and proud of our accomplishments.

[@bannedinchina]

It’s a Scottish song.

[@Kitiwake]

@@bannedinchina the melody is Irish.

[@bannedinchina]

@@Kitiwake nope. That’s Scottish too.

[@helenaville5939]

@@bannedinchina A lot of Scottish and Irish songs have melodies in common. You should know this. After all, the Gaelic aspect of Scottish culture hailed originally from Ireland. Allow our intertwining cultures to evolve freely down the generations. Stay safe and well.

[@Nilessterner]

There is something about the dignity this man displays that is refreshing and heart warming. The way he sings and walks away with grace. He walks immediately into the warm embrace of his family and shows the love and gentleness that only a true man can show. General Dempsey is a model of American exceptionalism untarnished by jingoism or the savagery of our politics. We need more people like him.

[@maryrothwell6264]

Your comments made me cry Niles. You are, as the General is, a true Patriot. Our poor country is in pain and sorrow, but all of us Patriots, will remain true.

[@TK-ve1uo]

I don't disagree with what you said about the man, but there is no such thing as American exceptionalism other than the belief in it. Never in the history has it been good for yourself or others when people thought of their own country as so superior to others.

[@tomdonohue2091]

@@TK-ve1uo I completely disagree with you. I'm old enough to remember America when it helped other nations. We had much better people running this country. You have NO idea about our history do you? Do you have ANY idea how much Americans have accomplished in our relatively short history? Not one other country has fought for their freedom and died fighting for it, to break away from a country which was tyrannical. I've traveled all over this world and meet tons of people who want to live here. They know America is the last free country there is and we're the only ones who have guns to fight tyranny with - my guess is you were taught to hate America and that should never be.

[@TK-ve1uo]

@@tomdonohue2091 Speaking of a lack of education in history: Are you sure that no other country has fought for their freedom and died (I assume you are referring to citizens of said country) fighting for it? Dozens of countries have done so, from your neighbours in Central and South America over countries like the Netherlands and Belgium to the majority of countries in Africa. So what you are saying there is utter nonsense. The same goes for the claim that America is the "last free country". Is it though? To quote from one of the best TV scenes ever produced about this question: "Canada has freedom. Japan has freedom. The UK, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Australia - Belgium has freedom. So, 207 sovereign states in the world, like, 180 of them have freedom." So, no, the US is very much not the last free country. Though, of course, you are free in a lot of ways when you live in the US. You are a lot more free to be shot when you go to school in the morning than in most other countries, since people like you love their guns so much. You are a lot more free to go bankrupt when you get sick, because for some reason, while most civilised nations have a decent public healthcare system, such thing seems to be dangerous socialism to a sizeable number of Americans. The same goes for when you want a decent university education. Oh, and, of course, you are free to join the military and die while bringing a lot of other countries "freedom", often with, let's say, questionable reasoning, when you are just 18 years old - but please don't drink or smoke at that age, because that freedom only starts when you are 21. So, no, Sir, you are very much not the most free country in the world, let alone the last free one.

[@hinsdalehighschools2896]

@@TK-ve1uo So sad to hear someone compare the American Revolution, and the enormous prosperity and individual freedom Americans enjoyed for over 200 years, to the Communist take-overs in Cuba, Venezuela. Just because you can call those national tragedies "revolutions" hardly warrants their comparison. But you, BLM and Antifa are now our future, and real men like General Dempsey will get written out of our history by your ilk.

[@clemryan4205]

Well said Siobhan. As an ex member of the Irish army I salute you General Martin Dempsey. You are making many people very proud to be Irish. Not easy to walk away. " Old soldiers never die, they just fade away"

[@JohnSmith-gp3co]

Happy retirement General! From an Irishman living away from home. All the best sir!

[@katiestoqua5485]

I love it when all the grandkids flock around him ... a lucky man

[@IrishTechnicalThinker]

I'm definitely not crying. I'm so glad and grateful as an Irish man to hear the music being played with this convection. Raise up and joy be to you all. For all those who don't know, this song is somewhat written by the individual who passed away and written for you. Song to be played after a funeral, drink from the parting glass and last final goodbye, drink while the spirit rises to heaven. Main point is why should you be sad? Have joy, why? While the spirit gently rises, so should you rise. Until we meet again. God bless to you all from Ireland.

[@louisdemarco7417]

I’m crying

[@tommccrory201]

I am a Canadian , an immigrant from Ireland, and just chanced upon this very moving video. How remarkable to see something so uplifting in our divided North America of today. You have a fine voice sir. May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, The sun shine warm upon your face, The rain fall soft upon fields, And in the years ahead, May God hold you in the palm of his hand. SLAINTE.

[@nelled6240]

Thank you for posting this Irish blessing

[@ABonRMS]

And he leaves with his children and Grand Children, Thank Your for your service Sir, and we wish you could stay but just one more day. A Job Well Done & God's Speed.

[@michaelcarr7595]

Often watch this video of a great Irishman, soldier, citizen and family man. Think he is the nearest thing to Setanta or Cu Chulainn that I can imagine. Many happy and healthy years of retirement to you Gen Dempsey from an Irish admirer.

[@Mysticfob]

I swear this is a scene straight out of the ending of a movie. The way it started a capella, then harmonies, then the band came in, took over when he finished, the chorus came in, and all his grandkids came over, and he finished at attention with a salute. Someone put this scene in a movie please. Amazing

[@jaymark3039]

This man makes me proud to be an American and a Marine. Fair winds and a following sea, General Dempsey.

[@briandavis8939]

jay mark He is haft Irish ☘️ other why’s he wouldn’t be singing this song because it’s an Irish 🇮🇪song and only are rivers run free 🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪😎

[@brucecollins4729]

@@briandavis8939 scottish song

[@johnsmith-bx4rn]

@@brucecollins4729 poor desperate bruce your're just hanging on apron strings ffs

[@beautifulpeople7369]

@@brucecollins4729 You may find sir that's it's irish. From the beautiful island of Ireland 🇮🇪. Many blessings to you all.

[@brucecollins4729]

@@beautifulpeople7369 you may find many of your irish sangs and fiddle tunes are scottish

[@rayjacques8850]

A man that a nation can be proud of, greetings from Ireland

[@patrickdevine1085]

As an Irish emigrant that served in the US Army for over 20years and a Irishman that still feels the pull of Ireland this brought me to the verge of tears. I plan on this being sung at my parting from this world.

[@shawnbrown4532]

Way to go General Dempsey, and a nice tip of the hat to his Irish Catholic roots with this heartfelt and beautiful old Irish traditional song. Thank you for your 41 years of service in the United States Army and for my freedom. Slainte and HAIL HAIL!

[@jimmymalone9139]

SPOT ON US MICKS THE WAY forward

[@eringobragh236]

Indeed!! Hail Hail 🇮🇪☘️🇮🇪☘️🇮🇪

[@danbreen6946]

Absolutely Hail Hail 🇮🇪🍀

[@jimschlat]

he really nailed it

[@paulharbron8439]

Now here is a man. Bravo Sir. Bravo and tight salute Sir.

[@tonynewburey8900]

I met and know him America needs more Officers like him.

[@mogadishusneeze]

As an Irishman, I have to say, the blood of Lady Erin is pure in this one! Well done General. Hope your retirement treats you well.

[@TheMBDESIGNSTUDIO]

Send him home to Ireland, help us free ourselves from the EU fascist machine.

[@davidoconnell4100]

lol.

[@TheGaloglas]

Great old Scottish song but we have so many great songs we'll give our Irish brothers this one.

[@johnprice7303]

@@TheMBDESIGNSTUDIO Ahh! shaddup! are you a UKIP troll by any chance? God bless the EU...Ireland would still be in the poverty stricken 1950s without it.

[@TheMBDESIGNSTUDIO]

​@@johnprice7303 Ahh! shaddup yourself , No I am certainly not a UKIP supporter. UKIP are an ultra conservative bunch of British loyalists and I am an Irish Republican. And please don't comment on things you clearly don't understand. Ireland has contributed over 200 Billion to the EU through our fishier treaties alone. Ireland’s net gain from EU budgets has been €44.6 billion since 1976. It was our membership of the EU that allowed the ECB to force us to pay German French and the UKs bank losses, losses which had nothing to do with us as a people as we would not have gained a single cent from had the investments been successful here. losses that those countries banks would have had to take on the chin had we been out of the EU. In 2006 our national debt was 26 Billion Now our national debt stands over 220 Billion 90% of which is from our EU loving politicians committing to pay off the EU's Debt. Their Debt not Ireland's. As I said at the start Shaddupp until you educate yourself.

[@MadDog8932]

What a total CLASS ACT. I stand and salute in appreciation and in awe!

[@roguebot6132]

This makes me so proud, only an Irish-American gets on the mic to sing his farewell. Good luck and God bless, General

[@gerraymond8312]

Up the Irish

[@superstarshaker7402]

Yeah and then sings a Scottish song😂

[@user-hm8wf2jf1h]

UK OK no one cares about the UK. Be quiet, Ireland 🇮🇪 is spreading his beautiful, noble magic throughout the world. Your empire’s dead, your country a joke of a mess. That western isle you dared trouble has risen above all your hatred. Éire go brágh 💪💪🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 the ONLY ‘Special Relationship’

[@John-ro1iv]

@@superstarshaker7402 so what? All Celtic cousins. Except for the Hun, that is.

[@breandandalton8564]

​@@superstarshaker7402 It is a beautiful song, and very appropriate. This beautiful Scottish song, so well loved in Ireland is a wonderful parting song.

[@kevincrowley6991]

Tears to my eyes god bless and a long and happy life

[@kenwillispodcast]

And that folks, is how a warrior makes his exit. God bless you sir.

[@justanothergunnerd8128]

An American worthy of respect if there ever was one. I love how most of those tiny grandchildren were perfectly behaved. Damn good family.

[@DJM.I.A.]

Damn I didn't know general Dempsey had the voice too, proud to have served under him.

[@甑だいごろう]

I think it is the highest honor for a soldier to be able to celebrate such a ceremony when leaving the military service. Thank you for your many years of service to the nation.

[@josephbanich4197]

Well done Sir. It was an honor to have you be my Chairman.

[@albertmccready478]

Still a lovely Irish twang to that mans singing . Greetings from Dublin

[@trainsandbusesirelandandbeyond]

As an Irish person this bought a tear to my eye🇮🇪

[@TrueBlue0687]

Best Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff the US Military ever had, in my honest opinion. And I'm a Brit with an honorary US Army O-6 rank.

[@ericholt5954]

Let's just enjoy a fine performance and leave it at that. The reception he receives from his children and grandchildren speaks volumes about his merit.

[@olivermoynihan9804]

I'm a proud Irish man and I've heard this fine song being sung many many times before .. wheather it was a know artist or a guy down in the local pub...but this version is the best I've ever heard.. God Bless you and your family

[@paulmccue2096]

Have ya never heard Ronnie Drew sing it?

[@jspee1965]

Bravo Sir. Last time i attended an Irish parting it was not the Chairman . I stand in awe Sir.

[@ohrazda1956]

The pleasure of meeting General Dempsey @ CSCG during a reception left a lasting and positive impression. Enjoy your well earned retirement sir.

[@tymark1]

Fucking legend. Not only does he have the respect and love of all that served under him, look at how his family surrounded him. That's a true man if I've ever seen one.

[@rosskaplan3114]

That's truly going out in style. You will be missed by all the branches of service, sir.

[@fahadbinsakhawat3669]

🕴

[@Thanksfortheshanks]

Arse licking isn't in your blood ehh...?

[@largofella]

Damn right every branch. Rah

[@Kevin-be8nj]

this is the America i love! So heartwarming to see the bond he has with his soldiers and how he walks off to his family, with his kids (Grandchildren?) running towards him hugging him

[@johnoconnor4623]

Yes it is just so beautiful when he is met with all his grand kids. So obvious that there is something sweet and nice about this man. Yes, I am impressed by him, he is so good

[@johnoconnor4623]

Yes it is the beauty of America, (while I write this I hear America the Beautiful in my ears) , not the nastiness that we have recently seen in the election. We know that this is the USA that we love.

[@kn4cc755]

What you are seeing is only the visible quality of a leader. There is much more to it that you cannot see but it is what draws men to follow.

[@jasonmcd101]

So, what you may notice that if the children running up there is a little girl who kind of runs up a bit later. This is not one of his children, but the child of one of a soldier who died in training and whose family he helped out. It’s a tender moment for the child and shows his greatness that he is comfortable having a non family member join him at that time.

[@Scharfschuetze]

From that first day on the Plain, 1 July, 1970, until his retirement, Marty gave his best in every challenge he faced. Those that served with him loved him.

[@Ryan-AlexanderNoakes]

I'm not Irish but I love this song and I think this is one of the best videos I've seen in a long time! He's amazing.

[@jacksonlawlor2487]

Sláinte, sir. A great American, a great Irishman, and a Soldier's officer. Your country will miss you.

[@sherp2u1]

He is an American"

[@johnhariis250]

@@sherp2u1 Irish / Scottish American? 🤔

[@DomhnallOSuileabhainPrin-tm1fw]

@@sherp2u1 He is Irish American you twat

[@sherp2u1]

@@DomhnallOSuileabhainPrin-tm1fw Soy Boy like you!

[@Ghrainne]

He is Not European

[@brandonroberts5058]

Couldn’t think of a classier way to go out

[@rickmcgibbon6290]

A true Irish Warrior, facing his future with courage in his heart, eye's focused on the horizon, and a song on his lips ! He chose the perfect song to end one part of his life and begin another. Slainte !

[@certavietvici2708]

Saw him in the mess hall at camp Doha Kuwait prior to the invasion if I knew he could sing like that I would have belted out a few Irish ☘️ tunes with him. Thank you for your service general Dempsey. SSG BYRNE. 🇺🇸

[@speedyalices1242]

6 years later, this is raising goosebumps, tears, and gratitude for General Dempsey, who serve the United States so honorably, and those like him. What an incredible ceremony; I loved the expressions on the faces of the soldiers as they listened to him sing. Duty, honor, country... an exemplary, distinguished soldier. Thank you for your service, and for the service and sacrifice of your family.

[@gerardinecash9423]

Any time you want to visit our wonderful Ireland 🇮🇪, get in touch General Dempsey, I have a room waiting for you!! Truly!

[@e.conboy4286]

“Well done thou good and faithful servant.” Thank you, sir.

[@michaelsweeney4361]

The General has a beautiful voice, a lovely family. Thank you for your service. Sir; would love to hear him sing, “The Minstrel Boy.”

[@mcerlean1956]

You knocked it out of the park..... May the wind be at your back. God bless.

[@jeremiahdaley201]

BRILLIANT!! Fitting farewell by and to an Irish-American 4-star. Welled-up watching this.

[@diarmuidosullivan6260]

As an Irishman to the general I hope u have a healthy and joy full retirement. God bless you

[@rolandmartin1483]

General, i feel your emotion, it must be a honor to seve under your orders Reverence from a french soldier Salut droit

[@KryllKiller]

So organic, so natural, so talented, so professional.

[@davidtapp3950]

Best version I have heard so far!

[@saighdiuirnaheireann9579]

wow, this actually brought a tear to my eye. General Dempsey, Go raibh míle maith agat. =)

[@nw57]

I've been singing that song for 30 years and I've heard a hundred people sing it and that was one of the best renditions I've heard. Bravo!! well sung General!!

[@moragwilson8574]

i have watched this so many times and this man is so impressive about the USA - I am an old scottish woman and I know this a very Irish feeling so I think it is connected to the Celtic nations Liam Clancy does a brilliant version x

[@ridesuk3665]

Hope you enjoy your retirement good sir you served the contry good your singing made me shed a tear thank you

[@peteredan7352]

The look on his face says, I don't want to retire, this is my life.

[@chrisdwyer8464]

Never met him or his and he seems like a great leader

[@willh1970]

Other than the fact that the General was gently rising and falling he was so beautifully comfortable with his Grandkids. Brilliant to see.

[@maureengillies9495]

That was lovely

[@user-rk7cx3rm4r]

You could tell he was fighting back the tears at the end. What a true warrior in a day of cowards.

[@adrianwilson4197]

Sign that man to a contract. God bless you good sir.

[@margaretohara7250]

Beautiful. Hope the good General continues to sing more Irish songs. "Grace" is a beautiful song. God bless. USA and Sligo

[@melcoo4727]

Great song and wonderfully sang by General Dempsey, his family hail from Roscommon in Ireland.

[@mikekelly8599]

I believe they are from Donegal?

[@melcoo4727]

@@mikekelly8599 Donegal, Sligo, Roscommon ancestors, the north-west of Ireland www.con-telegraph.ie/news/roundup/articles/2015/10/30/4108486-leading-us-military-figure-has-strong-mayo-links/

[@andrewdunne1735]

Dempsey is a Wexford name, sort that out!

[@helenaville5939]

@@andrewdunne1735 Hmm... so you think every Dempsey in the world must therefore come from Wexford. People do move away from counties you know. LoL

[@geraldneary5758]

He is of good quality so. Thank you General.

[@Dylanesque]

Freddie White does the finest rendition of the Parting Glass I've ever heard. Genuine and sincere.

[@madeleine8977]

Just going down the road...not retiring. I love this, as my father retired as a CMSgt with 30 years in the Air Force.and my husband as a Colonel with 20 years of service. I am so proud of both.

[@winterishere9828]

Congrats, i wish them a happy retirement.

[@monickam17]

What a voice!

[@finmoh]

my sister who lives in US told me about this .You have a fine voice I'm listening to this In my home in Ireland and it's beautiful . Thankyou for your years of service and enjoy it in good health.

[@standmeupatthegatesofhell6123]

Loved all the grand kids huddling around him and his affection toward them. Reminds me of family gatherings in Donegal where the Dempsey's are from

[@Kieran0410]

Certainly one of the better renditions of this song I've heard. Go n'eirigh and bothar leat general.

[@steve5l80]

Space Force guy here. I remember when he was chairman and folks said he was a good guy. My mom is 100% Irish, with her father from Ireland. A piper played this outside as Dad and I carried her casket out of the church after her funeral Mass. Definitely not crying right now…

[@plasticirishman52]

A legend. You Sir, are one in a million. YOU make Ireland PROUD.

[@nigelpilgrim4232]

He wants to make up his mind up !!! What nationality he is !!

[@jg2072]

As I watch this in 2020 it gives me faith in our military that dedication to service to country is not lost. As I think of the veterans I know I give thanks for their service and wish them well.

[@patrickmurphy9115]

Well done Martin, a Great Grand Father. Love your Children. I have 15 grand children - Irish Catholic but hey they happy.

[@matthewcuellar7879]

The children dancing and playing toward the end of this video really solidify the beauty and scale of this moment in General Dempsey's life. My brother and me have watched this video many times over. Irish music just has a way of pulling people together, I think.

[@cliffordjamesnirelan]

Thank you Sir, as an old sweat nearing retirement myself after 42 years service, I only wish I had the voice to sing my favourite song like yourself... God bless You. Lt Col (soon retired)Monty Ulsterman

[@thecripperpompasity918]

My heart filled with pride listening to him sing. An auld warrior from an Irish background, Fair play General Dempsey.

[@Ghrainne]

I believe he is American not European

[@brucecollins4729]

auld is scotish, ould is irish

[@suzannetamiesie8041]

I love seeing his grandkids run up and hug him. Little kids don’t do that unless they feel loved by and safe with that person. So I’ll belatedly raise a parting glass and wish you, General, a retirement filled with joy and happiness. Here’s also a huge thank you for your service to our country.

[@oldschoolmatt7396]

This song is going to be played at my funeral. I've told my friends and family, then I put it in my will.

[@sm607]

The most beautiful and appropriate retirement I've ever seen. “May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your face…” “May joy and peace surround you, contentment latch your door. And happiness be with you now and bless you evermore.” “As you slide down the banisters of life, may the splinters never point the wrong way." Wish I could have been there to salute you sir!

[@kegsen9770]

"And all all the harm I've ever done, alas it was to none but me" is sung by a man knowing what his grunts are facing.

[@kamolhengkiatisak1527]

Sir, you have a golden voice.

[@WacoUIC1933]

My Irish blood is stirring at this beautiful farewell. Thank you, General Dempsey, for serving our country while bringing honor to Irish Americans. I am grateful that our culture has flourished, even though many of us are generations removed from our ancestral homeland. God bless you and keep you always, Sir.

[@solomusic1691]

A gentleman and a fine singer too . Best wishes to him and family from the Irish tenor who sang with him !

[@antbhoy3760]

I salute you general. Great song,respect. God bless you and hope you are enjoying your retirement. Sláinte....from the Emerald Isle ☘️🇮🇪☘️🇮🇪☘️🇮🇪☘️🇮🇪☘️🇮🇪

[@sherp2u1]

Ah, he's an American...probably doesn't know what slainte even means...LOL"

[@skygerspacher6891]

That was really touching

[@skygerspacher6891]

Its like the end of a good movie

[@atthebakesale]

One of my favorite videos ever

[@readthebible67]

Such a classy way to retire!! Well done!! May retirement be a blessing indeed, General!

[@Caladis]

I love this song. I plan to sing it at my father's funeral. He isn't long for this world.

[@plasticirishman52]

God bless.. You are a REAL Irishman. God Bless you.

[@r.mcbride2837]

What a fine voice! A great gentleman and a distinguished officer. We thank you for your service and your song, General. Our country is in your debt and grateful.

[@pauldavis4508]

As an Irish man I thank you,glad we assisted the 69th.

[@patois12]

I love these versions of this song, where a regular voice sings with the heart this song was meant to be sung with. And I've never known an Irishman who couldn't find and sing the real character of a song! ❤️

[@sueoorbeck4887]

I have always loved this song. But watching you sing it as your farewell brought tears to my eyes, and made me so proud of you.

[@johnh7101]

Every time I watch this I get a tear in my eye, Those kids love their grandfather!

[@Kerrytoby]

Salute to you proud son of Erin!

[@sherp2u1]

He was born, bred and raised in the U.S.A.

[@nancyoneill-buck6033]

Yes this was quite beautiful. Actually this as good as alot of the professional versions Ive heard. Thank you

[@paulmathews7021]

I’ve sung this song many times and I love it. I discovered this a couple of years ago and I thought he did a great job. I’m from Ireland.

[@birdscatsliketowatch8479]

Just lovely. Thank you!