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THIS IS AMERICA
–
July 1, 2002: Songs that Celebrate America
By Jerilyn Watson
VOICE ONE:
July Fourth is America's most important national holiday: Independence Day. Americans will celebrate the
anniversary of their declaration of independence from Britain in seventeen-seventy-six. I'm Mary Tillotson.
VOICE TWO:
And I'm Steve Ember. In honor of this holiday, we present songs that celebrate America on the
VOA Special English program, THIS IS AMERICA.
((MUSIC: STARS AND STRIPES FOREVER)
)
VOICE ONE:
Americans celebrate the Fourth of July with family gatherings, parades, speeches and
fireworks. They also celebrate with patriotic music.The official song of the United States is "The Star-Spangled
Banner." Francis Scott Key wrote the words in eighteen -fourteen.
At that time, America and Britain were at war. Francis Scott Key watched as British forces attacked Fort
McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland. Through the smoke and fire, he could see a huge American flag flying over the
army base.
VOICE TWO:
The next morning, after the battle, he looked to see which flag flew over Fort McHenry. It
would tell which side had won. Key saw that the American flag still flew. He wrote a poem
re-creating the event. Soon after, music was added to his words. The United States
Congress made "The Star-Spangled Banner" the national song in nineteen-thirty-one.
Americans sing it at the beginning of many public meetings and sports events. Here is
America ’s national song, performed by Faith Hill.
((STAR-SPANGLED BANNER)
)
VOICE ONE:
Some people say "The Star-Spangled Banner" is difficult to sing. Others do not like the words. Some people have
suggested that the United States change its national song. They say many other songs that celebrate America
would be better.
VOICE TWO:
One of these is called "America." It is also known as "My Country 'Tis of Thee." Samuel Smith wrote it in
Eighteen-Thirty-Two. The music is the same as the British national song, "God Save the Queen.
"
The Southwestern Christian College Chorus sings “America.
”
((AMERICA)
)
VOICE ONE:
Some people think "America the Beautiful" is one of the best songs that celebrates America. Katherine Lee Bates
wrote the words in eighteen-ninety-three. Samuel Ward wrote the music. Many singers and groups have recorded
"America the Beautiful."
Ray Charles sings his version.
((AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL)
)
VOICE TWO:
Many people think "God Bless America" is the best song that celebrates America.
Irving Berlin wrote it in nineteen-seventeen. It became popular twenty years later
when Kate Smith sang it on a national radio broadcast. Listen now to the young
voices of the American Boychoir as they perform “God Bless America.
”
((GOD BLESS AMERICA))
VOICE ONE:
Other people would like America's national song to be "This Land is Your Land." Woody Guthrie wrote the
words in nineteen-forty. It became one of the most popular folk songs in America.
Pete Seeger and the Weavers sing "This Land is Your Land.
"
((THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND)
)
VOICE TWO:
Years ago, Lee Greenwood recorded a song called “God Bless the U.S.A.
”
This song
has gained new meaning and popularity since the terrorist attacks on the United States,
September eleventh, two-thousand-one.
Listen as Lee Greenwood sings “God Bless the U.S.A.
”
((GOD BLESS THE U.S.A)
)
VOICE ONE:
This program was written by Jerilyn Watson. It was produced by Caty Weaver. Our
studio engineer was Keith Holmes. I'm Mary Tillotson.
VOICE TWO:
And I'm Steve Ember. Join us again next week for another report about life in the United States on the VOA
Special English program THIS IS AMERICA.
((STARS AND STRIPES FOREVER)
)
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