“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”……….. ……..And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

  

Preamble to the Declaration of Independence 

of the United States of America

“To do a patriotic hymn or not”?

This is the question for church musicians on weekends such as this.

My answer is to include an appropriate song as the recessional or “song of sending”. My rationale: The priest or deacon proclaims “The mass is ended, go in peace.....” the song is the transition from one celebration to another.

The next, and possibly more important question; “What song to select”?

My process is to research and reflect on the holiday and select the song/hymn that best fits.

Memorial Day is a day we remember those who gave their lives in defense of the words and principles in The Declaration of Independence.

“Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory” (#577) began as a hymn sung by northern soldiers during the civil war.   While the wars original catalyst may not have been the emancipation of the slaves, it did lead to an extension of what all men (and women) means in America.

Be sure to consider recent readings from the Book of Revelation as you sing Julia W. Howe’s text.

In gratitude to all who have served,

Bruce