Video retrieved from A star-spangled tribute, which also has lyrics.
On this day 235 years ago, the Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence. The first shots of the American Revolution occurred in April 1975, and the war would continue until 1781. However, July 4, 1776 is generally regarded as the birth date of our country. (For brief histories of our nation’s birth, see here and here.)
In the video above, Senior Master Sgt. Jimmy Weber gives a heartfelt performance of all four verses of our national anthem. Most of us are familiar with the first verse, which is sung at many events, including ball games. But how many of us are familiar with the last verse, which still rings true today:
Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war’s desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav’n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: “In God is our trust.”
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
Additional patriotic videos for your enjoyment on Independence Day and afterwards:
Happy Birthday America (Independence Day)!
John Wayne and the Pledge of Allegiance
John Wayne “America – Why I Love Her”
Roy Rogers & Dale Evans – Happy Birthday America 7/4/1976
Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty-God Bless America Again.
]]>