When Lt. Col. Mark Weber was diagnosed with Stage 4 gastrointestinal cancer, he defied the odds by surviving years beyond doctors’ expectations, using his final moments to inspire not only his own sons but millions across the world. In 2012, the military man took to a small stage with one of his boys to deliver a heart-stopping rendition of the ballad, “Tell My Father,” that’s amassed over 3.6 million views to date.
Music Man readers can watch the magic unfold in the viral video below, but we’d suggest getting some tissues ready for this soul-stirring clip.
The father-son duo may not be pro singers, but they hardly needed top-tier musical skills to move the millions to tears. Their all-natural voices serve sheer purity and courage, their raw skills highlighting how anyone, great or small, can be affected by the brutal disease.
Dressed in a fully-adorned military jacket, Weber’s gaunt appearance is striking, yet instantly inspirational, as he unleashes his bold ballad, not held back by the battles he’s facing. His son delivers unconditional support as he fleshes out his dad’s voice, matching his vibratos as the string section and backing singers fade in to make this moment even more majestic.
Initially given just months to live, Weber survived a number of years before succumbing to his illness in 2013. But during that time, it wasn’t merely this performance that earned him the love and respect of viewers.
Weber also poured his heart into writing a memoir-style New York Times bestselling book, titled “Tell My Sons: A Father’s Last Letters,” first published in 2013 and still available to read on Amazon today. We’ll let the book’s official blurb do the talking: “When Weber realized that he was not going to survive this final tour of combat, he began to write a letter to his boys, so that as they grew up without him, they would know what his life-and-death story had taught him—about courage and fear, challenge and comfort, words and actions, pride and humility, seriousness and humor, and viewing life as a never-ending search for new ideas and inspiration.
“This book is that letter. And it’s not just for his sons. It’s for everyone who can use the best advice a dying hero has to offer.”
Weber’s final years were packed with inspirational advice, one stand-out quote from the late Iraq fighter including, “When they say ‘can’t,’ what they really mean is ‘don’t want to.’ And that’s a different thing altogether. People have told me, ‘The only reason you can do this is you’re a soldier.’ That’s just flat-out wrong.”
Lt. Col. Mark Weber’s brave, homegrown performance is a moving reminder of love, courage and the healing power of music. Discover more — including the viral video, background details and ways to show support — via the useful links below.