I'd have to say my one of my favorite holidays (besides Christmas and Easter) is Independence Day. And whenever I sing "The Star-spangled Banner", I can feel a deep love and appreciation for my country. Every word means so much to me... but whenever I sing it, I have to sing ALL the verses! I took it upon myself to memorize all 4 verses last year... and I sing them every day. I thought I'd share with you Francis Scott Key's full song that has meant so much to me, and to many.

1. Oh say can you see, by the dawn's early light, what so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming? Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro' the perilous fight, o'er the ramparts we watch'd were so gallantly gleaming. And the rocket's red glare, and bombs bursting in air gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there. Oh say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave? 

2. On the shore dimly seen thro' the mists of the deep, where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes. What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep as it fittingly blows, half conceals, half discloses? Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam, in full glory reflected now shines in the stream. 'Tis the star-spangled banner, O long may it wave o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.  

3. And where is the band who so vauntingly swore, 'mid the havoc of war and the battle's confusion. A home and a country they'd leave us no more? Their blood was wash'd out the foul footstep's pollution. No refuge could save the heirling and slave from the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave; And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

4. And thus be it ever, when free men shall stand between their loved homes and the war's desolation; Blest with vict'ry and peace, o'er the heaven's rescued land praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation! Then the conquer we must, when our cause it is just, and this be our motto, "In God is our trust!" And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Learning all 4 verses has really caused me to have a deeper appreciation and love for my freedom that so many men died for. I also like to note that in the last verse, 'Power' is capitalized... we need to always remember to thank God for our country! He has been SOOO good to us, blessing us with the freedom to worship Him.  I deeply encourage you to learn the entire "Star-Spangled Banner", and sing it often. It is of my absolute favorite songs of all time!

Happy Independence Day!

O&O