[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 136 (Wednesday, October 16, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S10586]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. BROWNBACK (for himself, Mr. Nelson of Florida, Mr. 
        Lieberman, Mr. Murkowski, Mr. Sessions, and Mr. Miller):
  S. 3125. A bill to designate ``God Bless America'' as the national 
song of the United States; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
  Mr. BROWNBACK. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce legislation, 
with Senators Nelson, Lieberman, Murkowski, Sessions and Miller, to 
honor one of our Nation's most stirring songs, ``God Bless America.''
  This patriotic masterpiece was written by Irving Berlin, a man whose 
background as an immigrant to our shores gave him a keen understanding 
and appreciation of our nation and how important its existence was. The 
United States has long been a symbol to peoples across the world, of 
opportunity, freedom, and the rule of law, but at the time of ``God 
Bless America,'' the US's importance was even more plain. This is 
because the song was originally written in 1918 during the height of 
the First World War, and then released for the first time in 1938 as 
the clouds of war again gathered over Europe.
  When Berlin first wrote ``God Bless America'' in 1918, he intended it 
to be a solemn paean to his adopted nation as he looked across the 
ocean to a war-torn Europe. Unfortunately, its somber and serious tone 
made it incompatible with the musical revue he was working on at the 
time. When the drums of war again sounded on distant shores, Berlin 
realized his song had a purpose, and knew it was time to offer it to an 
anxious country. After revising the lyrics to reflect the difference 
twenty years and one Great War make, he introduced the song on 
Armistice Day 1938, a simple song of peace, yet one that reminded both 
Americans and people of all nations that our Nation was a great one.
  This song accomplished exactly the author's intent--it so eloquently 
expressed his love for our country that it has provided for all of us a 
means to express our own love and feelings. It is why we have sung it 
so many times over the past year since those terrible events of 
September 11, and why we will continue to sing it for the years to 
come. It captures the feelings every citizen shares, of love, of pride, 
of patriotism, of sacrifice, and of freedom.
  An instant sensation since its release, the power of this song to 
uplift and comfort us particularly in the dark days of this past year, 
reminds all of us of the strength of words to inspire. For that reason, 
the time has come to give this song its long overdue recognition. That 
is why today I propose legislation to designate ``God Bless America'' 
as our national ``song.''
  This is not to replace our rousing national anthem, which is an 
unforgettable salute to our hard-fought and triumphant birth as a 
Nation, but to offer recognition to ``God Bless America.'' For ``God 
Bless America'' is truly the perfect tribute for a Nation rising from 
the ashes of September 11 to reclaim our firm and unwavering belief in 
the goodness of man and the universal rights of liberty.
  I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill and the lyrics of 
the song be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

                                S. 3125

     SECTION 1. NATIONAL SONG.

       (a) In General.--The composition consisting of the words 
     and music known as ``God Bless America'' is designated as the 
     national song of the United States.
       (b) Rule of Construction.--The designation of a national 
     song shall not be construed as affecting the national anthem.
                                  ____


                           God Bless America


           Words and Lyrics by irving Berlin--Copyright 1939

       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
           Thru the night with a 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,
           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 ocean,
           White with foam,
           God bless America,
           My home sweet home.
           God bless America,
           My home sweet home.
                                 ______