At the 4th of July, many choirs get to perform wonderful and stirring patriotic anthems for patriotic celebrations across the country. Some of my favorites that I had the privilege to sing as a member of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square are "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" arranged by Wilhousky, "Distant Land" by John Rutter, "And the Dream Goes On" by John Williams, and "America the Beautiful" arranged by Mack Wilberg. The words and choral parts to these anthems are moving and wonderful, but what makes the experience of singing them so exciting are the orchestrations. How great it was to be able to sing with such a wonderful orchestra! These pieces are all very different, yet powerful and thrilling in their own ways. I am so glad that choral organizations are beginning to perform again after the year of COVID.
My father was born on July 2nd. We have always had fun celebrations for his birthday in conjunction with the July 4th Independence Day celebrations for our country. Dad's jobs moved us all over this land, so we were able to experience many different ways of celebrating America's birthday, as well as my father's. But, no matter how elaborate the fireworks, or parades or gala events, the thread that connected all of these celebrations was the MUSIC. Our family had the advantage of knowing and understanding the many references in the songs about America, because we had first-hand knowledge of historical events and places from actually visiting them.
My father was born on July 2nd. We have always had fun celebrations for his birthday in conjunction with the July 4th Independence Day celebrations for our country. Dad's jobs moved us all over this land, so we were able to experience many different ways of celebrating America's birthday, as well as my father's. But, no matter how elaborate the fireworks, or parades or gala events, the thread that connected all of these celebrations was the MUSIC. Our family had the advantage of knowing and understanding the many references in the songs about America, because we had first-hand knowledge of historical events and places from actually visiting them.
For my father's 80th birthday, I felt inspired to write a song in part to thank him for helping me develop a love for our country. Not only did Dad take us to visit most of the United States, he taught us about how this land was preserved for a special purpose. This land was reserved as a place for the gospel to be restored and come forth in the last days. It is a promised land for those who are righteous and serve the God of the land. America is My Promised Land because of the covenants I have made personally to serve the Lord and strive to live righteously. It can be your promised land, too.
At this season of remembrance, may we take the time to remember our forefathers and their resolve to build America as the land of the free and the home of the brave. May we commit to live righteously, for as John Adams said,
"Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people.
It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."
At this season of remembrance, may we take the time to remember our forefathers and their resolve to build America as the land of the free and the home of the brave. May we commit to live righteously, for as John Adams said,
"Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people.
It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."
RSS Feed