Happy 4th of July to all. Two famous U.S. Presidents died on July 4th, but not in 1776. Any guesses? Many of us recall singing at least the first verse of "America" as school children, especially before assemblies. Do you remember the lyrics? > > "AMERICA" (My Country, 'Tis of Thee) > > 1. My country,' tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing; land > where my fathers died, land of the pilgrims' pride, from every mountainside > let freedom ring! 2.My native country, thee, land of the noble free, thy name I love; I love > > thy rocks and rills, thy woods and templed hills; my heart with rapture > thrills, like that above. 3.Let music swell the breeze, and ring from all the trees sweet freedom's > > song; let mortal tongues awake; let all that breathe partake; let rocks > their silence break, the sound prolong. 4. Our fathers' God, to thee, author of liberty, to thee we sing; long may > > our land be bright with freedom's holy light; protect us by thy might, > great God, our King. > [Source: http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh697.txt] And in those days, each classroom displayed an American flag. Upon prompting over the P.A. by a principal, or by the classroom teacher, each student stood, right hand over heart and recited the "Pledge of Allegiance." "I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands: one Nation under God, indivisible, With Liberty and Justice for all." Historically, the word "God" was added to the original Pledge, and is printed on money of the United States of America. The use of the word God has been challenged in both instances, under the guise of separation of church and state. When teaching high school, many of my non-native born students refused to participate claiming this is not their country. Yet, NYS required its teachers to lead the Pledge, and often observed how teachers performed the task. My response to immigrant students was requiring all to stand in honor of the U.S. flag, as a symbol of this country and all it afforded them and their families. Recitation could not be forced, but at least I provided them with a reason they must stand, just as I would do in their country of birth. R-e-s-p-e-c-t! Here's some historical links you may find interesting: http://www.ushistory.org/documents/pledge.htm http://www.homeofheroes.com/hallofheroes/1st_floor/flag/1bfc_pledge.html God bless America! God bless those who fought and continue to fight for our freedoms. Fly those stars and stripes high and stand proud this 4th of July. Barb Metro NYC Researcher