In celebration of the Fourth of July, we’re sharing the lyrics of two of America’s greatest songs below, together with pictures from across the country – from sea to shining sea!

See also our reflection on “all things good” in America and recipes for a July picnic.

America, The Beautiful

Written by Katharine Lee Bates (1913)

O beautiful for spacious skies,

For amber waves of grain,

For purple mountain majesties

Above the fruited plain!

America! America!
God shed His grace on thee,

And crown thy good with brotherhood

From sea to shining sea! Read more