Patriotic Songs

Subject: Patriotic Songs Thu Nov 06, 2008 12:41 am

America The Beautiful

O beautiful for spacious skies,

For amber waves of grain,

For purple mountain majesties

Above the fruited plain.

America! America! God shed His grace on thee,

And crown thy good with brotherhood

From sea to shining sea.

O beautiful for pilgrim feet,

Whose stem impassion'd stress

A thoroughfare for freedom beat

Across the wilderness

America! America! God men thine ev'ry flaw,

Confirm thy soul in self-control,

Thy liberty in law.

O beautiful for heroes prov'd

In liberating strife,

Who more than self their country loved,

And mercy more than life.

America! America! May God thy gold refine

Till all success be nobleness,

And ev'ry grain divine.

O Beautiful for patriot dream

that sees beyond the years.

Thine alabaster cities gleam,

Undimmed by human tear.

America! America! God shed his grace on thee,

And crown thy good with brotherhood,

From sea to shining sea.

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Subject: Re: Patriotic Songs Thu Nov 06, 2008 12:43 am

America

By Samuel F. Smith

My country, 'tis of thee, Sweet Land of Liberty

Of thee I sing;

Land where my fathers died,

Land of the pilgrim's pride,

From every mountain side

Let Freedom ring.

My native country, thee,

Land of the noble free, Thy name I love;

I love thy rocks and rills,

Thy woods and templed hills,

My heart with rapture thrills Like that above.

Let music swell the breeze,

And ring from all the trees

Sweet Freedom's song;

Let mortal tongues awake;

Let all that breathe partake;

Let rocks their silence break,

The sound prolong.

Our father's God to Thee,

Author of Liberty,

To thee we sing,

Long may our land be bright

With Freedom's holy light,

Protect us by thy might

Great God, our King.

Our glorious Land to-day,

'Neath Education's sway,

Soars upward still.

Its hills of learning fair,

Whose bounties all may share,

Behold them everywhere

On vale and hill!

Thy safeguard, Liberty,

The school shall ever be,

Our Nation's pride!

No tyrant hand shall smite,

While with encircling might

All here are taught the Right

With Truth allied.

Beneath Heaven's gacious will

The stars of progress still

Our course do sway;

In unity sublime

To broader heights we climb,

Triumphant over Time,

God speeds our way!

Grand birthright of our sires,

Our altars and our fires

Keep we still pure!

Our starry flag unfurled,

The hope of all the world,

In peace and light impearled,

God hold secure!

Subject: Re: Patriotic Songs Thu Nov 06, 2008 12:45 am

Battle Hymn of the Republic

by Julia Ward Howe

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord;

He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored;

He hath loosed the fateful lightning of his terrible swift sword:

His truth is marching on.

Glory Glory Hallelujah,

Glory, Glory Hallelujah,

Glory Glory Hallelujah,

His truth is marching on.

I have seen him in the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps;

They have builded him an altar in the evening dews and damps;

I can read his righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps;

His day is marching on.

Glory Glory Hallelujah,

His day is marching on.

I have read a fiery gospel, writ in burnished rows of steel;

"As ye deal with my comtemners, so with you my grace shall deal;

Let the Hero, born of woman, crush the serpent with his heel,

Since God is marching on."

Glory Glory Hallelujah,

Since God is marching on."

He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat;

He is sifting out the hearts of men before his judgement-seat;

Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer him! be jubilant, my feet!

Our God is marching on.

Glory Glory Hallelujah,

Our god is marching on.

In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,

With a glory in his bosom that transfigures you and me:

As he died to make men holy, let us die to make men free,

While God is marching on.

Glory Glory Hallelujah,

While God is marching on

Subject: Re: Patriotic Songs Thu Nov 06, 2008 12:46 am

God Bless The USA

By Lee Greenwood

If tomorrow all the things were gone

I'd worked for all my life,

And I had to start again

With just my children and my Wife,

I'd thank my lucky stars

Too be living here today,

'Cause the flag still stands for freedom

and they can't take that away.

I'm proud to be an America

where at least I know I'm free,

And I won't forget the men who died

who gave that right to me,

And I gladly stand up next to you

and defend her still today,

'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land

God Bless the U.S.A..

From the lakes of Minnesota

to the hills of Tennessee,

Across the plains of Texas

from sea to shining sea.

From Detroit down to Houston

And New York to L.A.,

There's pride in every American heart

and it's time we stand and say:

I'm proud to be an American

where at least I know I'm free,

And I won't forget the men who died

who gave that right to me,

And I gladly stand up next to you

and defend her still today,

'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land

God Bless the U.S.A.

Subject: Re: Patriotic Songs Thu Nov 06, 2008 12:47 am

National Anthem

of the

United States of America

lyrics by Francis Scott Key

First Verse

Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,

What so proudly we hail'd at the twilight's last gleaming?

Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro' the perilous fight,

O'er the ramparts we watch'd , were so galiantly streaming?

And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air

Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there.

Oh, say, does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

Second Verse

On the shore, dimly seen thro' the mists of the deep,

Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,

What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,

As it fitfully blows half conceals, half discloses?

Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,

In full glory reflected now shines in the stream;

'Tis the Star-Spangled Banner, O long may it wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Third Verse

Oh, thus be it ever when free men shall stand

Between their loved homes and the war's desolation!

Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n rescued land

Praise the Pow'r that hath made and preserved us a nation!

Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,

And this be our motto, "In God is our trust"

And the Star-Spangled Banner in triumph shall wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Subject: Re: Patriotic Songs Thu Nov 06, 2008 12:49 am

The Marines Hymn

From the Halls of Montezuma

To the shores of Tripoli

We fight our country's battles

On the land as on the sea.

First to fight for right and freedom

And to keep our honor clean;

We are proud to claim the title

Of United States Marines.

Our flag's unfurled to every breeze

From dawn to setting sun;

We have fought in every clime and place

Where we could take a gun.

In the snow of far-off Northern lands

And in sunny tropic scenes;

You will find us always on the job--

The United States Marines.

Here's health to you and to our Corps

Which we are proud to serve;

In many a strife we've fought for life

And never lost our nerve.

If the Army and the Navy

Ever look on Heaven's scenes,

They will find the streets are guarded

By United States Marines.

Subject: Re: Patriotic Songs Thu Nov 06, 2008 12:50 am

Subject: Re: Patriotic Songs Thu Nov 06, 2008 12:51 am

The Story Behind Tapes

Why "TAPS" is played..

If any of you have ever been to a military funeral in which taps were played; this brings out a new meaning of it. Here is something Every American should know.. Until I read this: We in the United States have all heard the haunting song, "Taps". It's the song that gives us that lump in our throats and usually tears in our eyes. But, do you know the story behind the song? If not, I think you will be interested to find out about its humble beginnings.

Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the Civil War, when Union Army Capta in Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison's Landing in Virginia. The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land. During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans of a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention.

Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the Captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment. When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead

The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier. It was his own son. The boy had been studying music in the South when the war broke out. Without telling his father, the boy enlisted in the Confederate Army.

The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors to give his son a full military burial, despite his enemy status. His request was only partially granted. The Captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for his son at the funeral. The request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate. But, out of respect for the father, they did say they could give him only one musician. The Captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of the dead youth's uniform. This wish was granted.

The haunting melody, we now know as "Taps" used at military funerals was born. The words are:

Day is done ... Gone the sun

From the lakes ... From the hills ... From the sky . All is well.

Safely rest .. God is nigh.

Fading light .. Dims the sight ..

And a star ... Gems the sky

Gleaming bright From afar ..

Drawing nigh . Falls the night. Thanks and praise ... For our days .

Neath the sun ... Neath the stars...

Neath the sky . As we go This we know .. God is nigh

I, too, have felt the chills while listening to "Taps" but I have never seen all the words to the song until now. I didn't even know there was more than one verse. I also never knew the story behind the song and I didn't know if you had either so I thought I'd pass it along.

Subject: Re: Patriotic Songs Thu Nov 06, 2008 12:52 am

Your A Grand Ole Flag

Music and lyrics by George M. Cohan

You're a grand old flag,

You're a high flying flag,

And forever in peace may you wave.

You're the emblem of the land I love,

The home of the free and the brave.

Ev'ry heart beats true

'Neath the Red, White and Blue.

Where there's never a boast or a brag.

But should auld acquaintance be forgot,

Keep your eyes on the grand old flag!

There's a feeling comes a-stealing,

And it sets my brain a-reeling,

When I'm listening to the music of a military band.

Any tune like "Yankee Doodle"

Simply sets me off my noodle,

It's that patriotic something that no one can understand.

"Way down South, in the land of cotton",

Melody untiring,

Ain't that inspiring?

Hurrah! Hurrah! We'll join the Jubilee!

And that's going some,

For the Yankees, by gum!

Red, white and blue, I am for you!

Honest, you're a grand old flag!

You're a Grand Old Flag

You're a high flying flag

And forever, in peace, may you wave!

You're the emblem of the land I love,

The home of the free and the brave!

Ev'ry heart beats true 'neath the Red, White, and Blue,

Where there's never a boast or brag.

But should auld acquaintance be forgot

Keep your eye on the Grand Old Flag!

I'm a cranky hanky panky,

I'm a dead square, honet Yankee,

And I'm mighty proud of that old flag

That flies for Uncle Sam.

Though I don't believe in raving

Ev'ry time I see it waving,

There's a chill runs up my back that makes me glad I'm what I am.

Here's a land with million soldiers,

That's if we should need 'em,

We'll fight for freedom!

Hurrah! Hurrah! For every Yankee tar

And old G.A.R.

Ev'ry stripe, ev'ry star.

Red, white and blue,

Hats off to you

Honest, you're a grand old flag!

You're a Grand Old Flag

You're a High Flying Flag

And forever, in peace, may you wave!

You're the emblem of the land I love,

The home of the free and the brave!

Ev'ry heart beats true 'neath the Red, White, and Blue,

Where there's never a boast or brag.

But should auld acquaintance be forgot

Keep your eye on the Grand Old Flag!

You're a grand old flag,

You're a high flying flag

And forever in peace may you wave.

You're the emblem of

The land I love.

Ther home of the free and the brave.

Ev'ry heart beats true

'neath the Red, White and Blue,

Where there's never a boast or a brag.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

Keep your eye on the grand old flag.

Subject: Re: Patriotic Songs Thu Nov 06, 2008 1:04 am

Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier

The Guard Takes 21 Steps on his walk across the Tomb of the Unknowns, The 21 steps alludes to the 21 Gun-Salute, which is the highest honor given any Military or Foreign Dignitary.

The Guard Hesitates after his about face to begin his return walk for 21 seconds also for the 21 Gun Salute.

His Gloves are Moistened to prevent his losing his

grip on the Rifle

He Carries the Rifle on the shoulder away from the Tomb. After his march across the path, he executes an about face and moves the Rifle to the outside shoulder.

The Guards are changed every 30 minutes,

Twenty-four Hours a day, 365 Days a year.

For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he must be between 5'10" and 6'2" tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30". Other requirements of the Guard: They must commit 2 years of life to guard the Tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty for the rest of their lives. They cannot swear in public for the rest of their lives and cannot disgrace the uniform {fighting} or the tomb in anyway. After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb. There are only 400 presently worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the Wreath Pin.

The Shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt. There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform. Guards dress for duty in front of a full-length mirror.

The first six months of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone, nor watch TV. All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. A guard must memorize who they are and where they are interred. Among the notables are: President Taft, Joe E. Lewis {the boxer} and medal of Honor winner Audie Murphy, {the most decorated soldier of WWII} of Hollywood Fame.

Every guard spends five hours a day getting his uniforms ready for guard duty.

Eternal Rest Grant Them O Lord, And Let Perpetual Light

Shine Upon Them.

In 2003 as Hurricane Isabelle was approaching Washington, DC, our US Senate/House took 2 days off with anticipation of the storm. On the ABC evening news, it was reported that because of the dangers from the hurricane, the military members assigned the duty of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier were given permission to suspend the assignment. They respectfully declined the offer, "No Way Sir!" Soaked to the skin, marching in the pelting rain of a tropical storm, they said that guarding the Tomb was not just an assignment, it was the highest honor that can be afforded to a serviceperson. The Tomb has been patrolled continuously,

/7 Since 1930

God Bless Them And Keep Them

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