Composer and retired U.S. Army Captain James Kimo Williams is set to release Symphony For Vietnam Veterans, a powerful and deeply personal musical piece that encapsulates his reflections on his time in the Vietnam War. Originally composed as Quartet For The Sons of Nam and later arranged for a full orchestra in 1992, this 2025 release has been reimagined for string orchestra, offering a fresh and poignant interpretation.
“Music provides a unique way to reflect on history and personal experiences. With Symphony For Vietnam Veterans, I have sought to translate my memories as a Vietnam Veteran into a meaningful musical journey. This composition, first conceived as a string quartet, has evolved into a full orchestral expression of my emotions and recollections from the war.” – James Kimo Williams, Captain (Ret.), U.S. Army, Vietnam 1970.
Williams’ inspiration for this symphony emerged in 1986 after participating in the Chicago Welcome Home Parade for Vietnam Veterans. The event reignited memories from his deployment, prompting him to explore his emotions through music. Over time, he has composed in various genres—jazz, country, and classical—each serving as a medium for storytelling and remembrance.
This release aligns with and was inspired by Kimo’s attendance at the 2012 United States of America Vietnam War
Commemoration proclamation event, an initiative authorized by Congress and led by the Secretary of Defense to
recognize the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. The commemoration extends through Veterans Day 2025, honoring service members and their contributions. Williams’ composition reflects the commemoration’s second objective: “To highlight the service of the Armed Forces during the Vietnam War and the contributions of Federal agencies and governmental and nongovernmental organizations that served with, or in support of, the Armed Forces.” In response, he meticulously reorchestrated and renamed his work to ensure its resonance with this historical milestone.
The symphony unfolds in four chapters, each representing key moments from Williams’ Vietnam experience—from
his arrival in 1970 to his departure eleven months later. To accompany the audio release, Williams has also created
a music video featuring personal photographs from his deployment. Additionally, program notes detailing each
movement’s narrative are available in the YouTube description.
