AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL

June is a month for patriotism, with Memorial Day, D-Day, Flag Day, and Independence Day all so close together. Flags are flying, flowers are blooming, and summer weather has arrived. It’s time for singing about our beautiful nation.

The praises of the United States have been sung for many generations. The question is, will these anthems continue in the  future? When I was in elementary school we had music every day, and many of the songs we sang were of the patriotic kind. In Junior High and High School, when music was voluntary, I was in the choir where national pride continued through our concerts. And there are so many great examples of inspiring words that thrill the American heart and soul.

The National Anthem – “The land of the free and the home of the brave”

My Country ‘Tis of Thee – “Sweet land of liberty” “From every mountainside, let freedom ring”

America the Beautiful – “God shed His grace on thee”

God Bless the USA – “I love this land – God bless the USA”

U.S. Navy Hymn – “Eternal Father strong to save” … “Thus evermore shall rise to Thee, Glad hymns of praise from land and sea”

U.S. Air Force Hymn – “Lord, guard and guide the men who fly”

U.S. Army Hymn – “God of our fathers” … “glory, laud, and praise be ever Thine”

Marine Corps Hymn – “First to fight for right and freedom”

The Battle Hymn of the Republic – “God is marching on”

Stars and Stripes – “Hurrah for the flag of the free”

You’re a Grand Old Flag – “You’re the emblem of the land I love, the home of the free and the brave”

Taps – “All is well, safely rest, God is nigh”

There are many more, but these in particular have two things in common – the gratefulness for freedom and liberty, and our dependence on Almighty God. These thoughts go hand in hand – without God there is no liberty or freedom – with liberty and freedom we can worship and praise God.

As it says in Psalm 33:12, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.”

COPYRIGHT 2019 BY CARL E GUSTAFSON