God Bless America by Irving Berlin

Jewish songwriter, Irving Berlin, who was born in imperial Russia, the son of a cantor, and who arrived to America as a kid, became the writer of so many songs from the Great American Songbook, including “God Bless America.”

The song was written by Berlin, while he was a soldier in New York to raise funds for Camp Upton, where he was stationed. 

Although Irving Berlin wrote God Bless America in 1918, the song didn't find its moment until 1938, when Kate Smith performed it on her Armistice Day radio broadcast. For both Berlin and Smith, it wasn't meant to celebrate war—it was a heartfelt prayer for peace.

Over the decades, God Bless America has become so much more than a patriotic song. It has comforted us during difficult times, inspired the Civil Rights Movement, brought Americans together after 9/11 through Celine Dion's unforgettable performance, echoed through baseball stadiums, political gatherings across the spectrum, the halls of Congress, even outer space—and it's even been sung in Yiddish.

Berlin once described the song as "an expression of gratitude for what this country has done for its citizens, of what home really means."

I've been watching some of the 250th birthday celebrations with fireworks and drones happening in DC and all over America. I'm thankful that Irving Berlin, an immigrant who loved his adopted country, gave us a song that continues to remind us of the hope, unity, and gratitude that bring us together as Americans. 

I pray that America comes together in unity to celebrate freedom. Happy 4th of July weekend!