Hail to the Chief

This is President's Day in the U.S. Once observed on George Washington's birthday, during the Nixon administration it was designated by many states as Presidents Day to honor all the men who have served in that office

The President's arrival for many public appearances is announced with four ruffles (played by drums) and flourishes (by bugles) and the band playing "Hail to the Chief." The music was composed by James Sanderson around 1810 for verses from Sir Walter Scott's The Lady of the Lake: "Hail to the chief, who in triumph advances, Honored and bless'd be the evergreen pine!" It first became associated with American presidents in 1815 when it was played to honor George Washington and the end of the War of 1812. Later, more suitable lyrics were written by Albert Gamse, but they are rarely sung.

Hail to the Chief we have chosen for the nation,
Hail to the Chief! We salute him, one and all.
Hail to the Chief, as we pledge cooperation
In proud fulfillment of a great, noble call.

Yours is the aim to make this grand country grander,
This you will do, that's our strong, firm belief.
Hail to the one we selected as commander,
Hail to the President! Hail to the Chief!

I realize that not everyone who reads these lines actually believes we are headed toward being a grander nation. You may not have had a part in selecting our President as commander, and you are not ready to pledge cooperation in proud fulfillment. Nevertheless, the Scripture gives us a clear directive. "I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. (I Timothy 2:1-4)

Some say, "Don't gripe if you didn't vote." Not that I'm in favor of griping, but I think that certainly one doesn't have a right to be griping if they're not praying!

MaryMartha

Scripture quotation taken from The Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. United States of America. All rights reserved.

Art from http://www.sxc.hu/