A favorite patriotic song of many Americans was written by Irving Berlin in 1918. Yet “God Bless America” wasn’t introduced publically until 1938 when sung by Kate Smith on a radio program on Armistice Day (now Veterans Day). It was — and still is — an expression of deep love for our great and beautiful land. Perhaps more importantly it expresses hope in God’s blessings for America. Berlin didn’t want to personally profit from his patriotism so assigned royalties from the song to the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.

“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.”

(Irving Berlin)

Remember to thank a vet today! Celebrate Veterans Day, and be thankful for the brave military men and women to whom we owe so much.  God bless America and our heroes both past and present!