God Bless America

1888: Irving was born in Siberia. He and his family emigrated to the United States when he was five years old. He cherished his new country.

Jump forward 50 years. The year: 1938:Europe is gripped by the fear of war. Nazi Germany has annexed both Austria and the Czech republic. The Soviet Union has invaded Finland. Spain has been in Civil War for two years. Mussolini and Hitler have both vowed total world domination. The treaty of Versailles has crumbled. Japanese troops have been invading China for a year. The clouds of total European and Asian war were brewing.

America though she was isolated from the wars by the vast oceans. On October 31, in New York, Irv looked out, far across the sea, and penned this song, a tribute to America, the land he loved. Less than two weeks later, November 11, Armistice Day, Kate Smith performed Irving Berlin's God Bless America. The song has become a National Hymn, and a solemn prayer.