Happy Birthday, America!

Do you remember in elementary school having Music class? If you’re like me - or you happen to be one of my incredible former classmates from that time, you remember the fun teachers we had in our neighborhood elementary school. In those Music classes, we would sing together - as a class.

At certain times of the year, we would have class or grade level performances for the rest of the school and occasionally those evenings for our parents and friends. The musical would have specific topics. We were fortunate enough to have those that were patriotic-themed.

Practices would seem endless - even though they were during our scheduled class time. Alas, the time would come - the date had arrived. We scrambled to get in our selected outfits. Behind the scenes, we were excited, nervous, laughing, and shsh-ing each other.

The lights dimmed and we followed our friend in front of us to our designated spot on the bleachers. Each of us trying to get into place - all at the same time - trying to locate recognizable faces in the audience. Suddenly, the familiar blend of the black and white keys we had come to memorize, filled what had been giggles and chatter of a very unprofessional, elementary-age choir. As the beautiful melody was played by our beloved Music Teacher, our little voices came together and belted out from the depths of our very best,

“This land is your land. This land is my land. This land was made for you and me!”

Applause erupted from the audience and we were elated. Then the sounds of the next tune blared from our class’s unsophisticated piano. We took a breath and brought forth the lyrics in song -

“My country, 'tis of thee,

Sweet land of liberty,

Of thee I sing…”

The big finale provided a silent invitation for everyone in the room to sing along!

“O beautiful for spaces skies

For amber waves of grain

…

America, America!

God shed his grace on thee,

And crown thy good with brotherhood…”

The evening with a few more songs was a success. Our Music Teacher beamed with pride over each and every one of her students. Every one of us knew the night’s adventure was special. We enjoyed conversations with our friends as we said goodbye for the weekend.

I’m not sure about you, but I don’t think I knew just how special those events really were. The music, the concerts, and the tributes that we participated in and revered are embedded in my heart. I will forever cherish those childhood days and remember fondly my Teachers, my friends - still my friends today.

Different paths, different states, different experiences along the way. I will treasure these memories and people - forever. And one thing else stands true …America is still beautiful.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA ...May God continue to bless you!