[Puppage]

While watching President Reagan's casket carried up the Capital steps with the Battle Hymn of The Republic playing I became quite emotional. I then realized that, like most people, I knew only the first verse of the hymn, but not the rest. So,I thought I'd post it here in tribute to a great man, and wondefrul President. The lyrics are very moving. The last line has never been more appropriate than in this day & age.

[JOE6PAK]

While watching President Reagan's casket carried up the Capital steps with the Battle Hymn of The Republic playing I became quite emotional.

DITTO THAT!

[Asclepius]

Let the Hero, born of woman, crush the serpent with his heel, Since God is marching on.

Amen.

Thank you, Mr. President. You made this world a far better place.

[EggsAckley]

I had to pull off the road when they were playing that. Finally got myself pulled together to get my groceries and get back home. Now you post the lyrics of one of the most powerful pieces of music ever created.............

If I didn't believe that there are other freepers and Americans out there wiping the tears away, I'd feel like a real fool.

Thank you for posting.

[Cicero]

We used to sing the Battle Hymn in our church choir every memorial day. It's a splendid work, much more powerful than the National Anthem.

[steveo]

While watching President Reagan's casket carried up the Capital steps with the Battle Hymn of The Republic playing I became quite emotional.

Now I'm sure like the rest of us it didn't take until now?!?

[Vision Thing]

While watching President Reagan's casket carried up the Capital steps with the Battle Hymn of The Republic playing I became quite emotional.

I picked up my guitar, and played along with the military band.

[TheLion]

That sequence about broke me up! Haven't been so moved in a long time. I couldn't help but note that this wonderful man, had the ability to make us feel good about ourselves, even in his passing.

[Vinnie]

My favorite patriotic song. Used to sing it in chorus.
There is an arrangement by Peter Wilhousy (sp) that is awesome.

My 'moment' was the choir singing America the Beautiful.

[Renfield]

I believe that performance to have been the most dignified and moving thing I have ever witnessed.

[LisaS]

Thank you. I had exactly the same reaction as you and appreciate your making the effort to post the words. I remember singing this every morning in grade school following the pledge. My kids now only learn it in band (melody only). I plan to teach them this and other patriotic songs this summer.

[BunnySlippers]

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.

I have seen Him in the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps;
They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps;
I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps:
His day is marching on.

I have read a fiery gospel writ in burnished rows of steel:
"As ye deal with my contemners, so with you my grace shall deal;
Let the Hero, born of woman, crush the serpent with his heel,
Since God is marching on."

He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat;
He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment-seat:
Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer Him! be jubilant, my feet!
Our God is marching on.

In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in his bosom that transfigures you and me:
As he died to make men holy, let us die to make men free,
While God is marching on.

[getmeouttaPalmBeachCounty_FL]

Thank you for sharing the words with us all. It is my favorite "America" song. I've been crying all day. Hearing this song, I feel like I am crying with many.

The most beautiful rendition I've ever heard was the one sung at the Pentagon for those killed there on 9/11.

[Vinnie]

Here is a pretty good instrumental online.http://www2.acc.af.mil/music/patriotic/tunes/batthymn.mp3

[captaindude2]

battle hyme ,always one of my favorite patriotic songs.

though california pipeline by murphys law would have been nice (if WAY out of place)

[Rummyfan]

Thanks for posting this.... I felt exactly the same way.

[Heart of Georgia]

The choir did an absolutely beautiful job. Thank you for posting the words.

The entire day was a wonderful tribute to President Reagan. I needed to see him honored in this way: with the precision and respect of the military, the slow procession of the caisson, the horseless rider with his riding boots, the 21-gun salute, the missing man formation, the hymns and patriotic music. I was especially touched by Vice President Cheney's words. Very heartfelt.

I am so proud of this country for taking the time to honor this great man.

[Walkingfeather]

May I recommend the version on the Gene Harris CD titled
"In his Hands" His daughter sings a version that will buckle you.

[nmh]

Ah where's the ACLU outrage? Do they LACK balls to not sue the U.S. government for this? Where's the ACLU outrage on PRAYER during Reagan's funeral IN the capital, a government building?

The truth is they nitpick the vulnerable. They are persistent and they will win if you let them.

I was was touched when I heard that song as well as when they will perform Amazing Grace. I believe Amazing Grace will be at the Library. I wasn't able to see all of the ceremony so I hope I didn't already miss that.

[nmh]

Thank you for posting this. You and others have made this a wonderful thread.

I have NO doubt that Reagan is "dancing with God" in heaven. He is and always will be an inspiration to us mere mortals.

[Salvation]

Linking this to the founding fathers thread.