In the year 1832, Samuel Francis Smith wrote the following lyrics:
My country, ‘tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing:
Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrims’ pride;
From ev’ry mountainside let freedom ring!
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.
Reverend Samuel Francis Smith
What many don’t realize is that just 17 years earlier (1815), Siegfried A. Mahlmann wrote God Bless Our Native Land to the same melody as My Country ‘Tis of Thee. Here are the words:
God bless our native land; firm may she ever stand
Through storm and night.
When the wild tempests rave, Ruler of wind and wave,
Do Thou our country save by Thy great might.
For her our prayers shall rise to God, above the skies;
On Him we wait.
Thou who art ever nigh, guarding with watchful eye,
To Thee aloud we cry, God save the State!
Siegfried August Mahlmann
Teacher - Feature 
so much enjoy your Teacher Feature posts. They are such a blessing. And, I always share on Facebook so others can be blessed too.
Is there a way to make the post font darker? with these old eyes, it’s getting harder to read. Thank you!
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