America the Beautiful

From sea to shining sea

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL

O beautiful for spacious skies,

For amber waves of grain,

For purple mountain majesties

Above the fruited plain!

America! America!

God shed His grace on thee

And crown thy good with brotherhood

From sea to shining sea!

These inspired words were penned by Katherine Lee Bates in 1893. Standing on a peak in the Rocky Mountains, she was overwhelmed by the expansive beauty of the land—from the purple mountain ranges to the golden plains. She later wrote:

"It was then and there, as I was looking out over the sea-like expanse of fertile country spreading away so far under those ample skies, that the opening lines of the hymn floated into my mind."

Her poem was first published in Boston on July 4, 1895. The music, composed in 1882 by church organist and choir director Samuel Ward, was added in 1910. By the early 20th century, "America the Beautiful" had already become one of the most beloved patriotic songs in the country. Schoolchildren, churches, and civic groups sang it regularly in patriotic ceremonies as it reflected the aspirational ideals of America—beauty, unity, and divine grace.

Just like another beloved patriotic song:

My COUNTRY TIS OF THEE

Written in 1831 by a 24-year-old seminary student, it was first performed on July 4, 1831 at a children’s Independence Day celebration on the Boston Common. Like "America the Beautiful," it became one of the most sung patriotic songs, along with "The Star-Spangled Banner," which was officially adopted as the national anthem in 1931.

"America the Beautiful" and "My Country 'Tis of Thee" celebrate America’s beauty and ideals.

Both express appreciation and reverence for the natural beauty of the land.

"America the Beautiful" famously begins with, “O beautiful for spacious skies,” and goes on to describe the land’s majesty and abundance—“amber waves of grain,” “purple mountain majesties."

"My Country, 'Tis of Thee" expresses love for the nation’s natural features: "rocks and rills," "woods and templed hills."

Both emphasize freedom and liberty.

"America the Beautiful" asks that the nation be crowned with “brotherhood” and praises “heroes proved / in liberating strife,” clearly referencing those who fought for freedom.

"My Country, 'Tis of Thee" calls America the "sweet land of liberty" and encourages that “freedom’s song” be sung by “all that breathe.”

Both are prayers for the nation.

"America the Beautiful" asks, “God shed His grace on thee,” as a humble call for divine help.

"My Country, 'Tis of Thee" ends with a direct prayer: “Our fathers’ God, to Thee / Author of liberty / To Thee we sing.” It also asks for divine protection: “Protect us by Thy might.”

Both reflect a time when patriotism was deeply tied to religious virtue, moral aspiration, and pride in the land.

CELEBRATING AMERICA

Like many others who are fortunate to live in America, our family has celebrated the 4th of July in various ways over the years.

As a kid growing up in Emmett, Idaho, we set up lawn chairs on the hill at the end of the pasture to watch fireworks launched from the county fairgrounds. My childhood memories include sparklers, “snakes,” small fountains, tiny cardboard army tanks that shot fire out of their cannons until they burst into flames, and the occasional bottle rocket, which seemed dangerous at the time.

When our kids were small, the gathering place was usually a home in the neighborhood where friends pooled resources and joined in communal firework displays.

In 1995, we moved to Washington, D.C., with our five kids while I was on detail with the U.S. Department of Justice. That summer, our family experienced a lifetime of adventures, including a 4th of July celebration at the National Mall where we watched an unbelievable display of fireworks synchronized to patriotic music, launched from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, lighting up the sky over the Washington Monument.

In later years, the holiday became a time to celebrate with grandkids at parades and firework displays near the iconic yellow water tower in Meridian, Idaho or the Olde Tyme Fourth of July Celebration in Melba (population 593).

July 4, 2017 was the first time all of the grandkids were together in Boise to celebrate the holiday.

From Sea to Shining Sea: Finding America Through the Lens of My Camera

I’ve never had to travel far to find beauty because beauty is everywhere.

Spacious skies

Amber waves of grain.

Purple mountain majesties above the fruited plain.

From sea to shining sea.

My camera is just a tool for bearing witness. Not politics. Not division. But the land. The people. The quiet dignity of everyday lives.

Each time I lift my camera, I’m offering a prayer. A small amen to the miracle of this country’s wildness and resilience, and to the grace that still rests on it, even in our most fractured moments.

So, as we look forward to celebrating the 4th tomorrow, I pray that we love the fireworks, the flags, good food, family, friends, and a nation blessed by God.

Happy birthday, America!