God Bless the U.S.A.

American country music artist Lee Greenwood wrote his signature song, “God Bless The U.S.A,” also known as “Proud To Be An American” in the early 1980s. The song first appeared on his 1984 album “You’ve Got A Good Love Comin’” where it reached No. 7 on the Billboard Magazine Hot Country Singers when it was initially released. It was also played at the 1984 Republican National Convention with President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan in attendance. But it gained greater prominence during the Gulf War in 1990 and 1991 as a morale booster for our troops. Greenwood re-recorded the track for his 1992 album “American Patriot.”

The song’s popularity rose again after 9/11 and during the 2003 Invasion of Iraq.

This Fourth of July, I thought it fitting to remember the words Greenwood wrote: “If tomorrow all the things were gone I’d worked for all my life, And I had to start again with just my children and my wife, I’d thank my lucky stars to be living here today ’Cause the flag still stands for freedom, and they can’t take that away.

And I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free, And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.

And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today, ’Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land! God bless the U.S.A.

From the lakes of Minnesota to the hills of Tennessee, Across the plains of Texas, from sea to shining sea, From Detroit down to Houston and New York to LA Well, there’s pride in every American heart, And it’s time we stand and say: I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free, And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.

And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today, ’Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land! God bless the U.S.A.”