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| GOD BLESS AMERICA - WHY by Wayne Bristow Editor’s note: “God Bless America” has been called the unofficial national anthem of the United States of America. Since the tragic terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington, D. C. on September 11, 2001, it has been sung at hundreds of events, including during the seventh inning stretch at every game of the recent Baseball World Series. It’s title can be seen on thousands of bumper stickers, window cards, T-shirts, yard signs and web pages. The song was written in 1918 by Irving Berlin, an 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. His 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 “God Bless America” and I love my country but, each time I hear the song, I’m asking, “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 simply 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 and allowed freedom to reign. On Flanders’ Field, at Omaha Beach and on Corregidor We fought for something more than securing our shore. In Viet Nam and the Persian Gulf, 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 hundred-fold. God bless America, that she might bless the world, Wherever our Star-Spangled Banner is unfurled. In this land of the free and the home of the brave; Bountifully we’ve 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. |
