My Country ‘Tis of Thee

Written in 1832 and set to a widely used popular melody, this prayer may be our country’s most enduring, familiar and easy-to-sing statement of faith. After reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, we started many elementary school days with the first verse of this classic musical prayer. I especially love the last line of the last verse: “Long may our land be bright with freedom’s holy light; protect us by Thy might, great God our King!”