By Dr. Paul Jehle
Little did Samuel Francis Smith realize that his lyrics written down as a poem to be sung to the tune of “God Save the King” would become the de facto National Anthem of the United States for about a hundred years! As he translated “God Bless our Native Land,” a German patriotic song to be sung by children opening their school day, he was inspired to write one for America’s school children.
The song America was first performed at a children’s service on the steps of Park Street Church in Boston on July 4, 1831. Its lyrics, tracing the history of America from the Pilgrims to the Patriots and beyond, ended in a prayer, committing the nation’s future to the Author of Liberty to protect us by His might as our true King. This year’s theme Sweet Land of Liberty comes from the opening line “My Country ‘tis of thee, sweet land of liberty.”
It is interesting to note that the tune, “God save the King,” had other words written to it after the U.S. was established. One verse sung by those who travelled with Lewis and Clark on their expedition from 1803-1806 was “God keep America, free from tyrannic sway, till time shall cease. Hush’d be the din of arms and all proud war’s alarm; follow in all her charms, Heaven-borne peace.”
As you watch the historic floats, patriotic Drum and Bugle Corps, and re-enactors from every age of America’s development “float by you” this year, remember that the rocks and rills, woods and templed hills symbolically join us singing freedom’s song. As Rev. Smith declared 185 years ago, may our land continue to be bright with freedom’s holy light.