Our school sang "God Bless America" during a flag ceremony last week. It got me thinking. How could singing such a song during a school wide ceremony (not performed in an artistic or cultural sense, such as at a concert or performance) not be considered endorsing a certain belief system? True, no one forced the students to sing the song. Students could choose not to sing it. But still, it just seems odd, in retrospect.
There are many patriotic songs that mention God or have religious overtones, but my specific thought regarding "God Bless America" is that the song is essentially a prayer, is it not? The singer is talking to God, making requests..."stand beside her, and guide her..." Is this an appropriate song to sing in a public school? Does express the ideals of freedom and patriotism that we want to teach our children in a civil setting?
But is sure is a pretty song to sing. And I love to sing.
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