Why does America say God Bless America?

Irving Berlin arrived in New York at 5 as Israel Baline, the son of a cantor fleeing persecution of the Jews of Russia. During World War I, Berlin wrote “God Bless America.” The title was a phrase his immigrant mother fervently repeated during Berlin's childhood, his daughter later said.

When was God Bless America first used?

As is befitting, the first time “God Bless America” was ever heard nationally it was sung by Smith. This occurred on November 11, 1938 over Kate Smith's CBS radio show, “The Kate Smith Hour.” From that first occurrence, Smith seemed to know that this tune was special.

Is it okay to say God Bless America?

As long as the statements are patriotic, not purely religious, they are probably protected by the First Amendment. Whether the school can stop you from saying things like that depends on the protections of the First Amendment. The Free Speech Clause of the First Amendment protects your expression.

Where does the phrase God Bless America come from?

In the fall of 1938, as fascism and war threatened Europe, Irving Berlin decided to write a peace song. He recalled an unpublished version of a song that he had set aside in a trunk, took it out and shaped it into a second national anthem, "God Bless America."

What does it mean when someone says God Bless America?

By 'blessing' they mean that God will make the U. S. prosper and prevail. Further, it carries with it a sense of having God sanction whatever we do. I think this goes back to a deep-seated, and still very much alive, sense of Manifest Destiny. That is, that the U. S. was God's chosen nation and an arm of God's will.

God Bless America: How the US is Obsessed with Religion | ENDEVR Documentary

Why shouldn't you say Bless you?

Please stop acknowledging my bodily functions. "Bless you" is a phrase so reflexively spoken upon hearing a sneeze that many of us forgot or don't even know where it came from. It has obvious religious connotations but they're archaic and no longer make any sense in our modern-day world.

Do you put your hand over your heart for God Bless America?

Military personnel are to salute with the first syllable and hold the salute until the end; civilian men are to remove their hats and hold them to the left shoulder with the hand over the heart, or if no hat to put the right hand over the heart.

What is America's unofficial national anthem?

At Wellesley, "America the Beautiful" is routinely sung during Step Singing, Convocation, and Commencement, and other occasions (and, as called for by informal tradition, student singers bellow SISTERHOOD in place of brotherhood during a key refrain).

Who wrote God Bless America and why?

Berlin, born Israel Baline, was 5 years old when his family arrived in the United States, having fled anti-Semitic persecution in Russia. He became a citizen in 1918, the same year he started his military career and wrote “God Bless America.”

Why was the statue of Kate Smith removed?

The Flyers removed the bronze statue of the singer from outside Xfinity Live! in April and stopped playing her version of Irving Berlin's “God Bless America" at the Wells Fargo Center amid controversy over racist song lyrics from the 1930s that the team said did “not reflect [its] values as an organization.”

Do you remove your hat for God Bless America?

RANT Though many fans and players at Mariners games remove their caps for “God Bless America,” it's not required and people shouldn't be criticized if they don't.

Who wrote God Bless America and White Christmas?

'God Bless America,' 'White Christmas' Among Classics : Enduring Songwriter Irving Berlin Dies. Irving Berlin, who made the word “songwriter” synonymous with his name, died Friday evening in his sleep at his Manhattan home, said Alton Peters, his son-in-law. He was 101.

How many anthems does America have?

While “The Star-Spangled Banner” has been the official national anthem since 1931, there have been other patriotic songs with more popularity (and easier to sing) over the years. And all—including “The Star-Spangled Banner—have generated their share of controversy.

Why was America the Beautiful not chosen as the national anthem?

It's a beloved melody and was even considered as a candidate for the official anthem before 'The Star-Spangled Banner' was eventually chosen in 1931, but 'America the Beautiful' doesn't officially have legal status as a US national hymn or anthem. That's not for want of people trying.

What does the third verse of The Star-Spangled Banner mean?

In the third verse, Key had a special message for the enslaved people who had dared to fight for freedom—we will pursue you to get revenge: No refuge could save the hireling and slave. from the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave. And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave.

Is it disrespectful to clap after the national anthem?

The Flag Code is silent as to conduct after the National Anthem has been sung or played. It is perfectly acceptable and common practice to applaud or cheer upon the completion of the playing or singing of the National Anthem.

Do you salute America the Beautiful?

Indoors, when honoring the US flag, national anthem, and bugle calls, officers and Soldiers stand at attention and face the music or the flag, if one is present. Other songs worthy of respect and honor include “The Army Song,”“Stars and Stripes Forever,” “America the Beautiful,” and “God Bless America.”

Why does God Bless America in 7th inning?

Yankees drop Kate Smith's 'God Bless America' after being told about her racist songs. The strains of Kate Smith's version of "God Bless America" no longer echo throughout Yankee Stadium during the seventh-inning stretch because of hints of racism in the late singer's past.

What do you say in Japan when someone sneezes?

"Health!" 大丈夫? (Daijoubu?) Note: It is very rare for anyone to acknowledge a sneeze in Japan, and it is customary not to say anything at all. After multiple sneezes, they use these words.

Is it politically correct to say bless you?

So, the next time you see or hear someone sneeze, whether from behind a mask in your local supermarket or face to face with your family and loved ones, don't worry about being politically correct, or politically incorrect, or offending someone's faith or secular convictions. Simply say, Bless you.

Is saying bless you rude?

“Saying 'God bless you' following a sneeze is a common refrain, so common and taught from childhood that many people don't even think of it as a blessing, but rather as an utterance without specific meaning other than a response to a sneeze that is polite in some way,” said Dr.

Does every MLB team play God Bless America?

Yet, the Yankees are the only remaining team in baseball to regularly play “God Bless America” during the seventh-inning stretch of their home games. Even after not one but two disgraced singers had to be removed.