“God bless America” has been called
the unofficial national anthem of the United States of America. Since the tragic terrorist attacks on
September 11, 2001, it has been sung at hundreds of events. Its title can be seen on thousands of bumper
stickers, window stickers, yard signs and web pages. Its words were written in 1918 by Irving
Berlin, a Jewish immigrant who left his home in Siberia for America when he was
only five years old. The composition was
laid aside until the fall of 1938, when war was threatening Europe and the
world. The first proof copy of a
revision is dated October 31, 1938. On
November 2, he had the final version of the song in hand. Kate Smith sang it on her radio broadcast on
Armistice Day, November 11, 1938. It was
an immediate sensation!
I like the song, “God Bless America,”
and I love my country, but each time I hear the song I ask, “Why?”
“God
bless America.” Why?
So
that we might play while brave men die?
So
that we might lock our doors and forget to pray,
Instead
of trusting in God and seizing the day?
“God
bless America.” Why?
So
that we might grow fat while hungry children cry?
So
that we might sleep securely behind “do not disturb”
While
persecuted people hurt and die unheard?
“God
bless America.” Why?
So
that there might be no difficulty in our land or sky?
So
that we might fly and feel secure,
Never
being forced to face down fear?
No,
America was not born of such selfish stuff.
O
God, wake us up and say, “Enough!”
You
have blessed us before and You will bless us still,
To
glorify Yourself and to do Your will.
Liberty
was not bought at Lexington and Concord
For
the weak and greedy to abuse and hoard.
Gettysburg’s
thousands must not have died in vain.
Their
blood bought unity allowed freedom to reign.
In
Flanders Fields, at Omaha Beach and on Corregidor
We
fought for something more than just securing our shore.
In
Viet Nam, and now in Afghanistan and Iraq, we stood for right,
Even
when some said, “Stay out, it’s not our fight.”
Blessings
are not for the selfish to hold,
But
for the blessed to give back a hundredfold.
God
bless America that she might bless the world,
Wherever
our star-spangled banner is unfurled.
In
this land of the free and home of the brave,
Bountifully
we received and freely we gave.
Again,
let us hateful terrorists shame
By
sharing our fruit in liberty’s strong name.
If
America is to be blessed from sea to sea,
Let
her determine afresh a blessing to be.
Let
us say “no” to lust, shame and greed.
Before
God, let us remember why we were freed!
©
2001 Wayne Bristow
