The American Minute

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American Minute with Bill Federer

‘God Bless America, Land that I Love…’- Irving Berlin

The son of a rabbi, he was born MAY 11, 1888.At 4-years-old, he immigrated with his family from Russia to New York.Falling in love with America, he served as a U.S. infantry sergeant in World War I.He later wrote some of the nation’s most popular songs, including:

“I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas”;
“Remember”;
“Always”;
“Alexander’s Ragtime Band”;
“There’s No Business like Show Business”;  and
“Easter Parade.”

Who was he?

Irving Berlin.

Irving Berlin wrote the Broadway musical, “This is the Army,” which was made into a 1943 film starring Ronald Reagan.

President Harry S. Truman awarded Berlin the Army’s Medal of Merit in 1945 for:

“Extraordinary service as creator and producer of the musical revue, This Is the Army.”

Irving Berlin wrote the patriotic hymn “God Bless America” in 1917.

It was introduced to the public in 1938 when Kate Smith sang it on an Armistice Day radio broadcast.

Berlin gave all the royalties from the song, over $100,000, to the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts.

Get the book, America’s God and Country Encyclopedia of Quotations

In 1954, President Eisenhower signed a Congressional Bill awarding Irving Berlin a Congressional Gold Medal:

“In recognition of his services in composing many popular songs, including ‘God Bless America.'”

Upon receiving the medal, February 19, 1955, Irving Berlin commented to President Eisenhower:

“To me, ‘God Bless America’ was not just a song but an expression of my feeling toward the country to which I owe what I have and what I am.”

In 1977, Irving Berlin received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Ford.

On October 12, 2001, Congressman Mike Castle of Delaware stated:

“In the aftermath of September 11…Republicans and Democrats burst into that song of the same name by Irving Berlin on the steps of the U.S. Capitol…It was a slogan for peace.”

Irving Berlin wrote:

“While the storm clouds gather
far across the sea,
Let us swear allegiance,
to a land that’s free.
Let us all be grateful,
for a land so fair,
As we raise our voices,
in a solemn prayer.

God Bless America,
Land that I Love,
Stand Beside Her,
and Guide Her,
Through the Night,
with the Light From Above,
From the Mountains,
to the Prairies,
To the Oceans
White with Foam,
God Bless America,
My Home Sweet Home,
God Bless America,
My Home Sweet Home!”

fggam.org thanks www.AmericanMinute.com

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After serving in the United States Navy for 22 years I retired from the service late in 1991. Having always loved the southwest, shortly after retiring, I moved to the Albuquerque area where I have resided since. Initially I worked as a contractor for approximately 6 years doing cable construction work. That becoming a little dangerous, at an elevated age, I moved into the retail store management environment managing convenience stores for roughly 16 years. With several disabilities, I am now fully retired and am getting more involved with helping Pastor Dewey & Pastor Paul with their operations at FGGAM which pleases my heart greatly as it truly is - "For God's Glory Alone". I met my precious wife Sandy here in Albuquerque and we have been extremely happily married for 18 years and I am the very proud father to Sandy's wonderful children, Tiana, our daughter, Ryan & Ross, our two sons, and proud grandparents to 5 wonderful grandchildren. We attend Christ Full Deliverance Ministries in Rio Rancho which is lead by Pastor's Marty & Paulette Cooper along with Elder Mable Lopez as regular members. Most of my time is now spent split between my family, my church & helping the Pastors by writing here on the FGGAM website and doing everything I can to support this fantastic ministry in the service of our Lord. Praise to GOD & GOD Bless to ALL! UPDATED 2021: Rick and Sandy moved to Florida a few years ago. We adore them and we pray for Rick as he misses Sandy so very, very much!

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