Inauguration Celebration…..

Lovingly, the book of poems by Helen Steiner Rice speaks simple eloquence….Helen knew that it was necessary to stop and reflect…as she often did in order to write her poems of inspiration….
Although her pen was stilled in 1981,
her poetry still speaks compellingly of the love and joy of life,
whatever the time of year….
How timely is her poem…God Bless America….
I wish to present it to you this day of …..Inauguration…January 20, 2005

God Bless America

“America the beautiful" -
May it always stay that way
But to keep “Old Glory” flying
There’s a price that we must pay….
For everything worth having
Demands work and sacrifice,
And Freedom is a gift from God
That commands the highest price…
For all our wealth and progress
Are as worthless as can be
Without the Faith that made us great
And kept our country free…
Nor can our nation hope to live
Unto itself alone,
For the problems of our neighbors
Must today become our own…
And while it’s hard to understand
The complexities of war,
Each one of us must realize
That we are fighting for
The principles of freedom
And the decency of man…
And as a Christian Nation
We’re committed to God’s Plan…
And as the land of liberty
And a great God-fearing nation
We must protect our honor
And fulfill our obligation…
So in these times of crisis
Let us offer no resistance
In giving help to those who need
Our strength and our assistance-
And “the stars and stripes forever”
Will remain a symbol of
A rich and mighty nation
Built on Faith and Truth and Love…

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Military Hall of Fame above...Family members who have helped keep America Free!!!