PALM BEACH, Fla., May 29 (UPI) -- A Swedish television star says he is looking for an American artist to record the song he wrote about a U.S. Marine killed in Afghanistan.
Lars "Lasse" Berghagen wrote the tune after reading a news story on the leatherneck's funeral while spending last winter in Palm Beach, Fla.
"When I read the article, I felt like I knew him," said Berghagen, a prolific songwriter and the longtime host of the series "Singalong in Skansen."
The article about the death of Lance Cpl. Justin Wilson of Palm City proved to be the inspiration for "Farewell to a Fallen Hero," the first English-language song Berghagen has written. Composer Frederick Martin created the music.
Berghagen told the Palm Beach (Fla.) Post he planned to donate the proceeds from an eventual recording for "Farewell to a Fallen Hero" to a foundation created by Wilson's widow and parents.
"I think his life will contribute to the peace we will have," Berghagen said. "His life, as well as the lives of all the men and women who gave up their lives trying to bring peace to the world."
