Something for the 250th Fourth of July weekend. God Bless America sung by the imperishable Kate Smith. This song became the rallying song for the United States during World War II. Written by Irving Berlin in 1918 while he was serving in the Army and revised by him in 1938, it was performed by Kate Smith on her radio show in 1938 and became an immediate hit, reaching unbelievable heights of popularity during World War II. The song is a prayer to God, as the first stanza, rarely performed today, makes clear:
While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,
Let us swear allegiance to a land that’s free,
Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,
As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer.
God bless America,
Land that I love.
Stand beside her, and guide her
Through the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam
God bless America, My home sweet home
God bless America, My home sweet home.
Few entertainers became so connected with one song as Kate Smith did with God Bless America. A Protestant, Kate Smith attended Mass for years prior to her conversion to Catholicism. May she now be giving a concert in Heaven.
Bonus:
Today, in our dining room at my workplace, I will re-tell this story and lead into song. We will have almost 40 residents who will be in attendance.
The management has asked me to lead them in prayers on holidays that I work.
This story needs to be shared and will be.
Happy and Blessed Fourth to all of you and your families, TAC.
Peace of Christ.