Some music to go with the fireworks on July,4

ANNOUNCER:

Welcome to THIS IS AMERICA, in VOA Special English. America's Declaration of Independence

from Britain was signed on July 4, 1776. Today, Mary Tillotson and Steve Ember bring you an

Independence Day program of songs that celebrate America.

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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 1814. 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 1931.

Americans sing it at the beginning of many public meetings and sports events. Here is

America’s national song, performed by Faith Hill.

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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 1832. The music is the same as the British national song, "God Save the

Queen." The Southwestern Christian College Chorus sings “America.”

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VOICE ONE:

Some people think "America the Beautiful" is one of the best songs that celebrates America.

Katherine Lee Bates wrote the words in 1893. Samuel Ward wrote the music. Many singers and

groups have recorded "America the Beautiful." Ray Charles sings his version.

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VOICE TWO:

Many people think "God Bless America" is the best song that celebrates America. Irving

Berlin wrote it in 1917. 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.”

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VOICE ONE:

Other people would like America's national song to be "This Land is Your Land." Woody

Guthrie wrote the words in 1940. It became one of the most popular folk songs in America.

Pete Seeger and the Weavers sing "This Land is Your Land."

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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 11, 2001. Listen as Lee Greenwood sings “God Bless the U.S.A.”

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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.