“O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?”
(National Anthem)
“When day comes we step out of the shade,
aflame and unafraid
The new dawn blooms as we free it
For there is always light,
if only we’re brave enough to see it
If only we’re brave enough to be it”
(Excerpt from the inauguration poem written and read by Amanda Gorman, Youth Poet Laureate.)
“The voice was chanting as the fog was lifting
This land was made for you and me”
(This Land Is Your Land)
“Sovereign of the universe…let Your blessing pour out on this land and on all officials of this country who are occupied, in good faith, with the public needs…Please, Wise One, God of the lifebreath of all flesh, waken Your spirit within all inhabitants of our land, and plant among the peoples…love and brotherhood, peace and friendship. Uproot from their hearts all hatred and enmity, all jealousy and vying for supremacy. Fulfill the yearning of all the people of our country to speak proudly in its honor. Fulfill their desire to see it become a light to all nations. Therefore, may it be Your will, that our land should be a blessing to all inhabitants of the globe.”
(Prayer for the Country, Kol HaNeshama)
Indeed, the star-spangled banner is still there,
waving over our land.
May those of us who are blessed to call this land home
do our part to make this country the home of the brave.
God bless us all and
God bless America.
