God Bless America

As we pause this weekend and remember our veterans who gave all, I’d like to share a little bit of history regarding a song about the nation these brave souls fought for.

God Bless America.

The song was written by famed composer, Irving Berlin.

“It’s not a patriotic song,” said Berlin, “but an expression of gratitude for what this country has done for its citizens, of what home really means.”

Today, many consider the song an unofficial anthem of the United States.

Irving Berlin’s father died when he was eight, and he wrote his first big dance hit at the age of 23, “Alexander’s Ragtime Band.”

Many more followed including Blue Skies, There’s No Business Like Show Business, and, of course, White Christmas.

Popular singer of her day, Kate Smith, needed a number for her successful radio program. She wanted a song to mark the 20th anniversary of World War I.

Smith sang God Bless America at the close of her show, and magic happened.

From that moment on Smith always included the song in her weekly show, and it became her signature hit.

Most wartime songs reminded Americans what they were fighting against. God Bless America reminded them of what they were fighting for.

Smith and Berlin donated all the royalties from the hit song to the Boy and Girl Scouts of America through the God Bless America Foundation.

That arrangement is still in effect today.

Thank you Mr. Berlin, and Miss Smith, for this beautiful gift.

God Bless America and all who still stand beside her.

See you out there.