HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!
1776: We adopted the Declaration of Independence declaring ourselves to be free and independent states from Great Britain. Our British neighbors (where we used to live, in Missouri) are sometimes asked if they celebrate the 4th of July “over there”. “No. We lost.” is their answer looking at the questioner with a dumbfounded look.
Patriotism: “devoted love, support, and defense of one’s country; national loyalty.” (Thank you, Dictionary.com)
I believe that over the years our national patriotism has been slowly diminishing. There is this pervasive feeling that it’s not cool to be American. We’re lame, Europe’s cool. Let’s be like them. Please, people. What would this world be like if it hadn’t been for America. I’m patriotic. I love America. I think the world wouldn’t be the same without us. And I think we’re the best thing going. Yes, I just said that and I’m proud. That doesn’t mean I don’t like/love things about other countries and their people. I absolutely loved living in Europe and all the cool things over there. I just happen to think America is the. best.
We’re taught to be all inclusive and to accept the way things are done elsewhere. We’re taught to detest the “Americanization” of the rest of the world. Well, rest of the world, if you don’t like us so much stop listening to our music, watching our movies, wearing our jeans, and visiting our country. If you’re here and hate it so much, well, leave.
This Friday 13 list I’ve put together is some of my favorite patriotic songs. You can probably hum the tunes to all of these. Do you know the words? Do your children? I asked Reagan what our national anthem was. She couldn’t tell me the name, but she could sing the first words. That’s awesome because we haven’t studied it yet in school.
So, if you don’t know these, learn them. Teach them to your kids. Be proud to be an American. Love your country while respecting everyone else. Being the best in the world comes with responsibilities.
Friday 13: 13 Great Patriotic Songs
- Star Spangled Banner by Francis Scott Key
- America The Beautiful by Katharine Lee Bates
- God Bless the USA (I’m proud to be an American) by Lee Greenwood
- My Country Tis of Thee by Samuel Francis Smith
- God Bless America by Irving Berlin
- Battle Hymn of the Republic by Julia W. Howe (great history about the origins of the hymn)
- Yankee Doodle (originally use by the British to make fun of us)
- Courtesy of the Red, White & Blue by Toby Keith
- The U.S. Air Force Song (Off We Go Into The Wild Blue Yonder) by Capt. Robert Crawford
- You’re A Grand Ole Flag by George M. Cohan
- This Land Is Your Land by Woody Guthrie
- The Marine’s Hymn
- This Is My Country by Don Raye
And here’s some flag etiquette in case you need some brushing up on that.
What are your favorite patriotic songs?
Not So SAHM 
Our patriotism does seem to be diminishing and the more patriotism is removed from where children are taught, public or home schools, the less our children learn about what it is to be an American and the nation’s spirit will slowly be killed. “In God We Trust” is not just some political, Right Wing saying … it’s our national motto and God has been part of our culture from the beginnings of this nation. If one doesn’t like this nation, is offended by our motto, offended by the fact that God is part of our culture, offended by the Stars and Stripes they should pack their ditty bag and leave now. I’m proud of our heritage and those who have honorably defended our freedoms.
Your list is a good representation of our national pride and long history of patriotism. I get goose bumps every time I hear the “Star Spangled Banner” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and though not on your list, I’m reflective and deeply moved when I hear “Taps.” Two of my favorites are “My Country Tis of Thee;” (love the last verse) and “You’re a Grand Old Flag” is jaunty and fun.
Does “Dixie” count as patriotic? ‘Cause that’s my fave. Hello–it’s our high school’s football song. To this day I can’t be at a Lee High Generals football game and wonder why “Dixie” isn’t being played by the Dixie Demon Marching Band, upon scoring. OR why there’s not an enormous demon holding a firework-spewing pitchfork. Ahh…memories.
We have a General…in costume…on horseback…he rides the length of the field. It’s not the same. Patriotic, yes. But not the same.
OK, I digressed. Is that a word?
Great post, my friend. I’m thankful for Du and your entire family…
I’m grateful for all of my ancestors who came from “over there” to settle in America. I’m equally grateful for my ancestors who were already here (American Indian). I’m proud to say that some of these folks fought in the Revolution and one of them even was murdered by a Tory. While I think that many things have perverted the greatness of this country, I still love it. And for her all her faults, it’s still the best thing going!
Did you know that both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died on the same fourth of July?
My favorite patriotic song is the entire collection of Aaron Copeland, a great American composer of the 20th century.
Yeah, one song is hard. I have to do it in eras or portfolios. Ah, …being a musician is so hard!
“In God We Still Trust” by Diamond Rio is another good one. All patriotic songs mean so much more this year with Jason in Iraq. He is on the first leg of his journey home – pray for safe travel out of Baghdad to rejoin his unit and then to be reunited with Brittany and Emma.