The Best Patriotic Songs

Over the past few days, most of us have spent time with family and friends picnicking, barbecuing, laughing and loving on the occasion of our country’s birthday. I always find it interesting to see how people celebrate the Fourth of July, what traditions they repeat or start in honor of this most American holiday.

Other than the family, friends and food, the often cheesy red, white and blue decorations and the ubiquitous fire works displays, I look forward most to the music.

Recently I came across a list of the 10 most Patriotic Country Songs. Being a huge fan of this theme of music, I wasn’t surprised to find I was familiar with every single one on the list. I was surprised by the contents of this list, as one of my personal favorites was not there.

I’ve decided to recreate the list with the help of my neighbors, starting with a few of my own favorites. I’ve also decided to open it up to include all genres of music, not just country. I’d love to hear other’s picks, and why they feel their choice should be included.

If you went to a fireworks display this Fourth of July weekend and saw a woman with unashamed tears of pride and joy running down her face, that was be me. God bless this nation and all her heroes, past and present. God bless us all.

Here are some of my picks, not necessarily in order:

The Star-Spangled Banner – sung by ANYONE who hits the notes and sings it the way it was written. Whether it is done right or not can be judged by the number of tears on my face.

God Bless America – Ethel Mermon did it best, not necessarily for the quality of her voice, but definitely for the spirit she puts into it.

In America – Charlie Daniels Band. Growing up in Chicago in the 1970s, country music was not exactly popular, and this band and this song was one of the turning points in my opinion of country. Because of this song, I ‘got it.’

God Bless the USA – Lee Greenwood. Back in the early 1990s, I was involved in a choir and had the opportunity to sing this song to the most appreciative audience one could imagine – at the Great Lakes Naval Station and a Veterans Administration hospital. It was truly one of the most moving experiences of my life.

Angel Flight - Radney Foster. With lyrics like this, “It don’t matter where we touch down, on Angel Flight it’s sacred ground,” this song is destined to remain in my heart for the rest of my days.