Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Celebrate the 'Blessings of Liberty' on Thanksgiving Day

America, an amazing and exceptional country, is grounded in principles and ideas, but these ideas are under seige.

“Blessings of Liberty” – this phrase illustrates the deep connection between faith and liberty by holding that liberty is a divinely-bestowed gift. This is a point which Heritage Foundation scholar Matthew Spalding eloquently makes in this recent video (watch below):





From the very beginning of our nation, faith and freedom were deeply intertwined. Liberty strengthened faith, allowing it to freely express its beliefs; pursue its divine mission. But faith was necessary for liberty – not only does it shape moral character; it builds the moral fiber necessary for us to be free."

To read the entire script of this video, click here.

Patriotic song,God Bless America, an immediate hit and has been ever since.



Sung by Kate Smith as she introduces this song for the first time to America on Nov. 11, 1938.

She sang Irving Berlin's prayerful "God Bless America" for the first time on her radio show in 1938 and it became an overnight sensation, and is still sung to this day.

Note: Be sure to watch the entire video because at 4.21 there is a cameo performance by, yes, it really is-- Ronald Reagan.