Phil Duncan learned to play harmonica from his grandfather when he was only seven years old. He wanted to carry on a family tradition and that's why he continues to play harmonica today. He played through college. And he played while he served our country in Vietnam.

Now, a well-known, published author of more than 30 internationally famous harmonica instruction books, Duncan continues to play. He will entertain crowds with his talent at the 21st Annual Freedom Fest in Skidmore this weekend.

Duncan has attended Freedom Fest for more than 10 years. Not only does he perform with his harmonica during the celebration, but Duncan spends his time informing other veterans of resources available to them through the VFW organization.

Duncan, a Parkville, Mo., resident,  grew up in Liberty, Mo. After graduating from Liberty High School, Duncan attended the University of Missouri Conservatory of Music in Kansas City.
As a junior in college, Duncan joined the United States Army –– in 1966. He was sent to language school through the military, where he learned Bulgarian, which he said was certainly not the language of his choice.

Duncan was soon sent to Vietnam, where he served in the First Infantry Division, 28th Infantry, in Laikhe. Duncan said one year in Vietnam was definitely enough for him.
Upon returning to the states, Duncan got married and spent the last 18 months of his military service at Fort Riley, Kan.

"I got out of the military in 1970," Duncan said. "I had a mixed bag of reaction when I got back to the states. Since I was still in the military, I think I got more respect. Some Vietnam vets came home and hit the streets right away. They got punished right out of the war."

Duncan said back in those days, he wore plain clothes when he left the Army post because he was concerned about wearing a uniform on the streets.

"I didn't like the feeling that I couldn't wear my uniform everywhere I went," he said. "I had a lot of pride and honor in serving the military. That pride and honor was hard to find when I was off post."
After leaving the military, Duncan completed his college education.

"Except for the fact that I was using the GI Bill to pay for my college education, I pretty much kept my military service under wraps," he said. "I got slighted in class a time or two by instructors who knew I had served in Vietnam. I won those battles in the long run –– but it took a while."

Duncan became involved with the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization, becoming the All American District Commander representing the northwest Missouri area. He said he likes the fact that his involvement in the VFW gives him the chance to help veterans in his own back yard –– the people he can actually reach.

Duncan said he enjoys coming to Freedom Fest year after year because he enjoys his time visiting and just "hanging around" with veterans.

"It's kind of where it happens," Duncan said. "I went to training to learn about the Department of Veteran Affairs. I want to share the information I have with other veterans who may not understand what the department has to offer them."

Duncan said he believes patriotism is important –– and he wants to share his feelings of patriotism with not only fellow veterans, but with those who have not served in the military –– especially young people.

"People need to understand that patriotism is not just fireworks," Duncan said. "It's a package deal. We have several occasions where we honor the sacrifices made by soldiers –– July 4th, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Flag Day."

Duncan wanted American flags placed in every classroom at Park Hill High School ––  where he taught music 30 years. He went to businesses around the community asking for donations to make placement of the flags possible.

"Having flags in the classrooms doesn't make the students understand patriotism," he said. "It's a lifetime education. It goes back to the Revolutionary War."

Duncan said the message he wants to share to young and old alike is that the sacrifice of soldiers is more than bullet holes and death.

"There are emotional scars involved in war that stay with a soldier through their entire lifetime," he explained.

Duncan said we need to honor soldiers of the past, present and future because of the sacrifices they make.

"Everyone needs to hear and understand that every soldier who serves in the military makes sacrifices," he said. "Anytime you give to anything, you are making a sacrifice. When they are giving to their country, they are making a sacrifice. Their sacrifice makes it possible for us to do what we do in our country. That's the bottom line. That's what I'd like to tell the kids of today."
For more information about Duncan's books, CDs or DVDs, log on to his Web site at philduncan.com.