July 4 – REPEATABLE OFFENSE

Audience or Arnie will read the line, then we will do the song.

1.  Our nation’s name was officially changed from the “Twelve United English Colonies of North America” to the “United States of America” on September 9, 1776

America the Beautiful – First Verse – ALL

2.  Mark Twain said that Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.

You’re a Grand Old Flag – BILL

3.  “When Johnny Comes Marching Home” and “Johnny I Hardly Knew Ye” share the same melody. However, “Johnny I Hardly Knew Ye” is an older, traditional Irish anti-war song, while “When Johnny Comes Marching Home” is a song romanticizing the return of soldiers, popularized during the American Civil War. “When Johnny Comes Marching Home” is essentially a lyrical rewrite of “Johnny I Hardly Knew Ye,” with a more positive spin on the homecoming.

COMBINED – ROBERT

• Johnny I Hardly Knew Ye
• When Johnny Comes Marching Home

4.  Tipperary is a county in Ireland, located in the province of Munster. The song “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary” is associated with this county, though the song’s origin story is a bit more complex. The song was written by Jack Judge and Harry Williams as a music hall number in 1912.  In the United States, the song reflected themes of longing for home and loved ones.  It resonated in the United States during the war, reflecting sentiments felt by American soldiers and their families.

Long Way to Tipperary – ROBERT

5.  The next song is a popular British song from World War I that became a symbol of hope and resilience during wartime. It refers to a series of novels and a TV show, “Home Fires,” inspired by the song and focused on the experiences of women during World War II. 

Keep the Home Fires Burning – BILL

6.  Our flag does not fly because the wind blows it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.

The Longest Day – ROBERT

7.  America without her soldiers would be like God without his angels.

I’ll Fly Away – BILL

8.  The first lines of this song are fairly unknown, but the verses go: I wrote my mother. I wrote my father.  And now I’m writing you too.  I’m sure of mother. I’m sure of father.  And now I wanna be sure, very very sure of you.

Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree – ROBERT

9.  General George Patton said “Rather than mourn the men who died, we should thank God that such men lived.”

This is My Country – BILL

10.  President John F Kennedy said “My Fellow Americans; ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.

America – My Country tis of Thee – ALL

11.  President Frank D Roosevelt said “Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy, forget in time that men have died to win them.

This Land is Your Land – BILL

12.  President Ronald Ragan said “If words cannot repay the debt we own these men, surely with our actions we must strive to keep faith with them and with the vision that led them to battle and to sacrifice.

George M. Cohan Medley – ROBERT

13.  The next song is a well-known folk song with a rich history, including several trivia points. It was written by Pete Seeger in 1955. The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2002.

Where have all the Flowers Gone – BILL

14.  The next song, written by Bob Dylan, is a famous folk song known for its simple yet powerful lyrics addressing war, peace, and freedom. It became a defining song of the 1960s civil rights and anti-war movements

Blowing in the Wind – ROBERT

15.  This song by ABBA tells the story of two old comrades reminiscing about a war, and envisions two scarred soldiers sitting under the stars, recalling their past experiences.

Fernando – BILL

16.  “Proud to be an American” is a common mistake for naming the next song by Lee Greenwood. The song, released in 1984, is a patriotic anthem expressing pride in being an American and gratitude for the freedoms enjoyed, particularly those defended by the military. It gained significant popularity during Operation Desert Storm and has become a staple at patriotic events

Proud to be an American – ROBERT – Ukulele

17.  To those in uniform serving today, and to those who have served in the past: we honor you today and every day.

Have Jerry Eddy and Walt Pearson pass out flags while I switch back to bass guitar.

Armed Forces Medley – ALL
MARINES – ARMY – NAVY – AIR FORCE

18.  “Battle Hymn of the Republic” is a well-known American patriotic song with lyrics written by Julia Ward Howe in 1861 and set to the tune of the pre-existing song “John Brown’s Body”. It became a powerful anthem for the Union during the Civil War, symbolizing their cause of freedom and justice. The song’s imagery, drawn from the Bible, portrays a divine intervention in the conflict, with God trampling out the vintage of wrath.

Battle Hymn of the Republic – BILL

19.  The phrase “under God” was added to the Pledge of Allegiance on June 14, 1954. This change was made by a Joint Resolution of Congress and signed into law by President Dwight D. Eisenhower

God Bless America – ROBERT

20.  Our final  song is the national anthem of the United States. The lyrics come from the “Defence of Fort M’Henry”, a poem written by American lawyer Francis Scott Key on September 14, 1814, after he witnessed the bombardment of Fort McHenry by the British Royal Navy during the Battle of Baltimore in the War of 1812. Key was inspired by the large U.S. flag, with 15 stars and 15 stripes, known as the Star-Spangled Banner, flying triumphantly above the fort after the battle.

National Anthem – PLEASE STAND IF YOU ARE ABLE

Star Spangled Banner – ALL