[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 256]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




         DESIGNATING ``GOD BLESS AMERICA'' AS OUR NATIONAL HYMN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GENE GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 7, 2003

  Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reintroduce a simple 
piece of legislation that will provide all Americans with another 
important national symbol which they can lean on during times of 
national stress. The legislation will designate ``God Bless America'' 
as our National Hymn. The first words of this song, ``God Bless 
America, land that I love,'' say it all. They are simple, direct, and 
they truly reflect the spirit of our country during this latest 
challenge.
  Although nothing can surpass the importance or meaning of the ``Star 
Spangled Banner'' as our preeminent national anthem, ``God Bless 
America'' is almost always the second song our citizens fall to in 
times of great national tragedy. America's unofficial national anthem 
was composed by Irving Berlin, an immigrant who left Siberia for 
America when he was only five years old.
  While originally written for a musical in 1918, Berlin realized that 
this was more than a light-hearted musical number. So he set it aside 
for a more appropriate time. That time came shortly before the Second 
World War. Berlin released ``God Bless America'' in November of 1938.
  As the nation prepared to enter World War II, it was evident that the 
whole country--from the mountains, to the prairies, to the oceans white 
with foam--would need to stay strong, to protect our home sweet home.
  ``God Bless America'' unified all Americans with its simple 
sentiment, and it unifies us again today.
  This song is the heart and soul of our country, and we should honor 
it by designating it as our National Hymn.
  Thank you Mr. Speaker.

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