Saturday, May 26, 2007

Battle Hymn of the Republic

Once again, I'm going to divert from my previous Thursday Thirteen list of hymns. This time I want to do something to acknowledge Memorial Day, so I'm bringing this well known text and tune to our attention. At how many funerals of Presidents and other important government officials has this touching hymn been sung and played?


This post is an expression of my thankfulness for the many who have died to help insure the liberties that I sit here and enjoy today. The words of this beloved hymn were written by a woman named Julia Ward Howe during the Civil War. This was a sad and tragic war, but most of us would agree that every war is sad and tragic. I refuse to get into the controversy over the present conflict here, I'll only say that I'm terribly proud of and grateful for those who are now serving and who at times past have served in our military. One of the major reasons for the survival of the freedoms for which this country is known is because of them. Many of them have "died to make men free."

Please pray with me that our nation will know the truths of Christ and that His truth will go marching on here and abroad.

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord;
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored;
He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword;
His truth is marching on.

Go to Cyber Hymnal for the rest of the stanzas and the tune.

God bless you at this time of remembrance. Any of you who may have lost a loved one in a war, the Lord be with you in a special way at this time.

6 comments:

TO BECOME said...

One of my favorite songs and this was a special post. I would like to add my thanks to all who have served and those who have died so that we could be free. Have a happy weekend. connie from Texas

Susan said...

Good post and thanks for reminding us of one of the truly great hymns.
Young men gave their lives this very day for us so we might have the freedom to sing this marvelous song. Let us not forget!
Susan

Bethany said...

I am doing this hymn for my Sunday Afternoon Hymn today, thanks partially to you. I was having a very hard time deciding which one to do! Thanks again!
Bethany

Beverly said...

Good post, Nanna. A wonderful hymn for this holiday weekend.

Theresa's Notes said...

I love that song, Have a great Memorial Day!

Beka said...

Great hymn for this Memorial Day!
Hope you had a great weekend. We missed seeing you on Sunday.