Happy Veterans Day

I've mentioned the history of Veteran's day here. So for this year's Veterans Day, I thought I'd go a different route. Just a few things we learned as kids growing up in this country, but so little opportunity (at least for most of us) as adults, below are the words to The Pledge of Allegiance, The Star-Spangled Banner, and God Bless America. We can always use a little refresher. And don't forget to thank and hug a Veteran today.

The Pledge of Allegiance

I pledge allegiance to the Flag

of the United States of America,

and to the Republic for which it stands:

one Nation under God, indivisible,

With Liberty and Justice for all.

The Star-Spangled Banner

Composed by Francis Scott Key,

"In Defense of Fort McHenry" in September 1814.

Congress proclaimed it the U.S. National Anthem in 1931

Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,

What so proudly we hail'd at the twilight's last gleaming

Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro' the perilous fight,

O'er the ramparts we watch'd, were so gallantly streaming

And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,

Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there.

O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

God Bless America
Words and music by Irving Berlin©

Copyright 1938, 1939 by Irving Berlin©

Copyright Renewed 1965, 1966 by Irving Berlin©

Copyright Assigned to the Trustees of the God Bless America Fund

International Copyright Secured.

"While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,

Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free,

Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,

As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer. "

God Bless America,

Land that I love.

Stand beside her,

and guide her

Thru 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.