James Pietrek re-releases 9/11 song to fund Blaine veterans memorial statue

Blaine chiropractor James Pietrek is releasing a remixed version of his 2001 song “Eagleyez” on the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and the 250th anniversary of the United States. He is directing 100% of proceeds from performances and online sales to Veterans Memorial Park in Blaine, Minnesota, to help fund a planned K-9 and Soldier statue.

Why it matters: - The release ties a personal 9/11-era song to a local veterans memorial project in Blaine, Minnesota. - Pietrek is directing 100% of proceeds from performances and online sales of “Eagleyez” to Veterans Memorial Park until the planned K-9 and Soldier statue is installed. - The effort supports a broader fundraising push for a park built to honor American military service across multiple eras.

What happened: - Blaine chiropractor and 1998 Blaine High School graduate James Pietrek is re-releasing “Eagleyez,” a patriotic song he originally recorded in 2001 with two high school friends. - The remixed version is available through more information. - The release lands on September 11, 2026, the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. - The year also marks the 250th anniversary of the United States. - Pietrek wrote the song in the aftermath of 9/11 and recorded it with Chais Parkos on guitar and Scott Andrus on drums.

The details: - Pietrek says “Eagleyez” reflects on America, military service, resilience and the nation’s response to adversity. - The song opens with a biographical perspective, then references Revolutionary-era history and later conflicts in the Middle East. - Pietrek uses the bald eagle as a symbol of freedom, strength, people and national resolve. - The song also questions whether U.S. ideals can endure through repeated danger and conflict. - Pietrek describes “Eagleyez” as a personal love letter to America. - Pietrek has practiced chiropractic care for more than 20 years and estimates he has treated thousands of patients. - One patient stood out to Pietrek: a Marine named Frederick who came to his California office on February 7, 2005, with acute lower back pain. - Frederick wanted to avoid the military insurance route and sought chiropractic care instead. - After treatment, Frederick canceled his remaining appointments and later told the office he had passed a medical exam and deployed with his unit to Iraq. - About a year and a half later, Frederick returned with a poem titled “WHY WE FIGHT TO DIE” and the flag he had flown in Iraq. - Pietrek said the encounter deepened the song’s connection to military service and sacrifice. - The park connection also runs through Steve Guider, founder of Veterans Memorial Park and one of Pietrek’s football coaches at Blaine High School. - Veterans Memorial Park opened in 2019 on the grounds of Tom Ryan Park, next to Blaine City Hall. - The park includes memorials for the Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the War on Terror. - The site also features a POW/MIA monument, a monument honoring women who have served, a Gold Star children's monument, Freedom Rock, a Purple Heart monument and benches honoring individual service members. - The planned K-9 and Soldier statue is one of the remaining monuments envisioned for the park. - Guider said the K-9 and Soldier statue is expected to cost about $80,000. - The overall park project has a fundraising goal of about $900,000, with roughly $260,000 still needed. - The nonprofit has about $44,000 on hand. - Planned additions also include a combat medic statue, a plaque honoring Minnesota Medal of Honor recipients, repairs to a crack in the Purple Heart Memorial, additional signage and a possible military helicopter. - Guider said the park is intended to honor everyone who has served the country, not just Blaine veterans.

Between the lines: - Pietrek is using the song release to connect three parts of his life: his hometown, his music and a Marine patient whose service left a lasting impression. - The timing makes the release both commemorative and fundraising-driven, which gives the song a practical role beyond remembrance. - Veterans Memorial Park appears to be moving from a collection of existing memorials toward a fuller buildout, and the K-9 and Soldier statue is a visible next step.

What's next: - Community donations and proceeds from “Eagleyez” are expected to help close the remaining funding gap for the K-9 and Soldier statue and other planned improvements. - More information is available at the project website and on the park’s Facebook page. - Pietrek’s release gives Veterans Memorial Park another fundraising hook as the nonprofit works toward its remaining goals.

The bottom line: - “Eagleyez” is now both a tribute to 9/11-era patriotism and a fundraiser for a veterans memorial in Pietrek’s hometown.