Saturday, November 3, 2007

VETERANS DAY


Armistice Day , now called Veterans Day, is the anniversary of the official end of World War I, November 11, 1918. It commemorates the armistice signed between the Allies and Germany. This day was set aside to reflect and remember the sacrifices men and women made while serving in the Armed Forces.


A much loved song was written in 1918, GOD BLESS AMERICA1
Sometimes it takes someone who fled oppression to put into eloquent words what makes America and its freedoms so precious. Irving Berlin, who left Russia as a 5-year-old named Israel Baline, wrote, “God Bless America" in 1918. But he didn’t know what to do with the song until 1938, when World War II was threatening Europe.


He revised it for Kate Smith, who sang it on the radio on ARMISTICE DAY IN 1938. It was an immediate hit.


In gratitude to his adopted country, Mr. Berlin established the God Bless America Fund, and he donated the royalties for the song to the Boy and Girl Scouts of America.



God bless America, land that I love
Stand beside her and guide her
Through the night with the light from above
From the mountains to the prairies
To the oceans white with foam
God bless America, my home sweet home
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.

2 comments:

Lisa Smith said...

My favorite picture of Papa. I am so thankful to have his legacy (and yours)of sacrifice for the luxury of freedom. I hope we never take it for granted.

The Smith Team's next big project will involve supporting our troops who are away from their family and friends for the holidays.

XOXO

steve mitchell said...

the song is actually a prayer, asking God for a blessing

thanks to all the verterans!!