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Thursday, June 30, 2011

America the Beautiful!

America the Beautiful

 by Katharine Lee Bates

On July 4th the United States of America will be celebrating Independence Day, and to celebrate I thought I'd illustrate with my photos the first stanza of the poem/song "America the Beautiful. " It was written in 1893 by Katherine Lee Bates as she viewed the sights from Pike's Peak in Colorado.  (all highlighted links under the photos will bring you to my blog posts about that area of the USA)
Yosemite National Park
  
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 ......

San Diego, California

......to shining sea!

American flags hanging in various locations around New York City

To all who celebrate have a happy and safe 4th of July!

I'm linking today with Skywatch Friday and with Beverly's Pink Saturday patriotic red white and blue event on her blog How Sweet The Sound, and with Mary of the Little Red House "Mosaic Monday.  Please click on the links to see all the blogs participating in all events.

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74 comments:

  1. Barbara F.June 30, 2011 at 3:18 PM

    Beautiful, Pat. God bless America! xo,

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  2. KrisJune 30, 2011 at 3:20 PM

    That was beautiful!!!! God Bless America INDEED!!!!!

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  3. From the KitchenJune 30, 2011 at 3:27 PM

    Lovely! I wish you and yours a delicious and safe 4th of July.

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  4. SnapJune 30, 2011 at 3:28 PM

    Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful! Beautiful photos to go with some of my favorite words. Happy 4th!

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  5. jocoJune 30, 2011 at 3:35 PM

    Sent shivers down my spine.
    Very impressive combination.
    [tw3.me]

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  6. black eyed susans kitchenJune 30, 2011 at 3:40 PM

    Amen! Your photos are poetry unto themselves...I agree Pat...just beautiful! Have a wonderful holiday.

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  7. VeeJune 30, 2011 at 4:00 PM

    Splendid, Pat! The song perfectly complements the photos you've shared. It's a wonderful blessing to have seen all these beautiful sights for yourself.

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  8. Jeannette StGJune 30, 2011 at 4:00 PM

    Your pics are as majestic as the national anthem! Have a happy 4th!

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  9. LindyLouMacJune 30, 2011 at 4:05 PM

    It is good to be back at last catching up with your blogging activities, enjoy your forthcoming celebrations.

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  10. LynnJune 30, 2011 at 4:10 PM

    Your pics are just beautiful Pat! Love the shot at the vineyard! Happy 4th of July Weekend:@)

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  11. AnonymousJune 30, 2011 at 4:11 PM

    O' Pat, thank you so much for this uplifting post, God Bless America and you and yours as we celebrate this beautiful country,AMERICA!!
    Your blog has filled my heart with pride to stand up and salute!

    HAPPY 4TH MY FRIEND!!
    ~JO
    LazyonLoblolly

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  12. Flavia GalassoJune 30, 2011 at 4:14 PM

    great post!!! And I am so happy...next Saturday I'm going to visit Sigonella base...and I am going to celebrate the 4th July with American citizens...I am so happy!!! :D ...have a great special Independence weekend .... hugs, Flavia

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  13. Jidhu JoseJune 30, 2011 at 4:16 PM

    lovely shots

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  14. Grandmother MaryJune 30, 2011 at 4:37 PM

    We have to make our own little celebration here in Italy. Thanks for the inspiration!

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  15. My name is RietJune 30, 2011 at 4:46 PM

    Oh Pat this is beautiful. What a wonderful series of photo's to go with the song. Happy 4th of July.

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  16. CarolaJune 30, 2011 at 4:56 PM

    Wonderful photos. They realy show the beauty of America. On my travel I saw I bit of this incredible nature.
    The Yosemite shot looks like Yellowstone. (I have not been to Yosemite).
    Thanks for sharing.
    You live in a great country.

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  17. The Gathering PlaceJune 30, 2011 at 4:58 PM

    What beautiful photos to go along with the song. Have a wonderful holiday!

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  18. ~Lavender Dreamer~June 30, 2011 at 5:05 PM

    Your post is perfection! It makes me feel so proud to look at these photos of our country! Enjoy your holiday weekend, my friend! ♥

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  19. Ginny HartzlerJune 30, 2011 at 5:18 PM

    What an awesome idea, and you have done it beautifully, you have a wonderful picture just perfect for each verse!! My fave is God Shed His Grace On Thee. Hope you have a wonderful and safe holiday!

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  20. YvetteJune 30, 2011 at 5:40 PM

    A great post, Pat. God Bless America, indeed. Have a wonderful weekend. :)

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  21. CatherineJune 30, 2011 at 6:35 PM

    Beautiful post Pat.

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  22. Old KittyJune 30, 2011 at 7:28 PM

    Oh Pat!! I was singing along and then your blog post finished! Aw!!! :-)

    What a lovely lovely lovely tribute to a seminal anthem (and written by a woman - so triple yay!!! )!

    Happy 4th of July!!! Take care
    x

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  23. Kim, USAJune 30, 2011 at 7:33 PM

    A very beautiful tribute to our beloved land. God bless America!! And I am proud to be American! ^_^

    SWF

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  24. podsoJune 30, 2011 at 7:38 PM

    Beautiful post, Pat. And I love the first picture especially, of the tall flag. Hope you have a wonderful 4th weekend!

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  25. CarolJune 30, 2011 at 9:48 PM

    Terrific post, Pat! America is beautiful. Have a great holiday weekend!

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  26. LindaJune 30, 2011 at 10:03 PM

    What a WONDERFUL post!! I 'shared' it on my Facebook page.....hope you don't mind!

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  27. SavoringTime in the KitchenJune 30, 2011 at 10:11 PM

    What was beautiful, Pat! Happy Birthday to the USA!

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  28. Esme SyJune 30, 2011 at 11:37 PM

    Wonderful shots!

    My entry.

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  29. ~CherylJune 30, 2011 at 11:59 PM

    Fabulous! This makes my heart and soul sing! Thank you for a lovely post.

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  30. AnonymousJuly 1, 2011 at 6:23 AM

    Happy 4th of July!!
    Great pictures,
    Gisela

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  31. RoeHJuly 1, 2011 at 7:08 AM

    Wow! Reading through this post gave me shivers and I started to cry. Do I love this country or what?! Even with all it's governmental frustrations and my always continual threat to go and live in neutral Switzerland for the rest of my life. I see something like this and it just breaks me up. It is truly a God given country.

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  32. From Beyond My Kitchen WindowJuly 1, 2011 at 8:15 AM

    What a beautiful post. I have goosebumps. America the Beautiful is one of my favorite patriotic songs. Happy July 4th.!!!

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  33. AnonymousJuly 1, 2011 at 8:57 AM

    This is awesome. Truly!

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  34. TracyJuly 1, 2011 at 9:26 AM

    WOW...she's pretty fantastic, is America! ;o) I'm feeling a little homesick just now... Happy 4th, dear Pat! ((HUGS))

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  35. PondsideJuly 1, 2011 at 10:38 AM

    Beautiful images, beautiful song, beautiful country! Happy 4th of July to you and yours!

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  36. Theresa MilsteinJuly 1, 2011 at 10:38 AM

    What a wonderful way to celebrate the 4th.

    I live in Cambridge. Each year, we walk to the Charles River and watch the fireworks as the Boston Pops play. It's one of my favorite activities all year.

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  37. Proud Italian CookJuly 1, 2011 at 11:48 AM

    America is truly beautiful, I just wish the economy would get better!
    Happy 4th, friend.

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  38. annieJuly 1, 2011 at 8:21 PM

    Wonderful post Pat!
    Have the nicest 4th ever!

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  39. Connie ArnoldJuly 1, 2011 at 10:04 PM

    Beautiful post! Thank you for sharing the great photos with the words of a wonderful song.

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  40. AnonymousJuly 1, 2011 at 11:29 PM

    Hi Pat!!! How I loved this post....and the last Flag Filled Photo just filled my eyes with tears!! What a testament to our United States of America!!! How "we" need to remember where we came from and what we are all about. . . especially in this rough economic time.

    Happy Independence Day to you and your lovely family!!!

    L, Dana

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  41. Betsy Banks AdamsJuly 1, 2011 at 11:46 PM

    Hi There, So glad to get home and back to blogging. We did have a fabulous trip--but home is pretty nice also!!!!!

    Some of your pictures are ones that are on our next trip's wish list. We want to go to Yellowstone, the Tetons, Mt. Rushmore, Glacier National Park---and maybe into the Canadian Rockies.... IF that happens, it will be in TWO years.
    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  42. GailOJuly 2, 2011 at 12:39 AM

    What a wonderful showcase for your gorgeous travel photography! Boy you sure have been places!

    Happy weekend and 4th of July to you and your family!

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  43. TrotterJuly 2, 2011 at 4:14 AM

    Hi Pat! Sorry for the absence; another busy fortnight... No holidays... ;)

    Lovely shots of truly beautiful places...

    Blogtrotter Two is touring Cap Corse... Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend!!

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  44. Ocean Breezes and Country SneezesJuly 2, 2011 at 10:06 AM

    What a beautiful post! America The Beautiful is one of my most favorite patriotic songs! Have a wonderful weekend!

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  45. GardenOfDaisiesJuly 2, 2011 at 12:29 PM

    We do live in a beautiful country. Have a very happy holiday weekend!

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  46. LVJuly 2, 2011 at 4:34 PM

    A truly remarkable presentation. Great job.

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  47. RNSANEJuly 3, 2011 at 3:54 AM

    Pat, this was a spectacular post and, of course, it reminds us all just how wonderfully beautiful our country is. I think I'll post a poem on Monday that I wrote some time ago, called, "Home To The USA".

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  48. Marina CapanoJuly 3, 2011 at 7:25 AM

    Great, lovely post

    Happy 4th of july!

    love american flag

    xoxo

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  49. TannaJuly 3, 2011 at 11:07 AM

    America is beautiful, isn't she??? Happy Fourth, Pat!! blessings ~ tanna

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  50. CathyJuly 3, 2011 at 1:39 PM

    Wonderful post, Pat. Your photos are beautiful. We are so fortunate to live in this great country. Happy July 4th to you and your family.

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  51. AnonymousJuly 3, 2011 at 8:32 PM

    Fabulous post, Pat. Gorgeous photos!!

    Happy Independence Day!

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  52. MaryJuly 3, 2011 at 8:36 PM

    Hope you and yours have a wonderful holiday, Pat! Thanks for sharing at MM. :)

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  53. Judith @ Lavender CottageJuly 3, 2011 at 8:42 PM

    Amazing photos of your country. Happy July 4 from Canada.

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  54. A Bit of the BlarneyJuly 3, 2011 at 9:04 PM

    Breathtaking! What a wonderfully inspirational mosaic!!! Thank you! Cathy

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  55. AnonymousJuly 3, 2011 at 9:07 PM

    HI Pat! OH, this is such a wonderful post! Lovely snaps and you live in the gateway of America! God bless America and have a wonderful 4th.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  56. Cherry ChickJuly 3, 2011 at 9:08 PM

    It's always such a pleasure seeing your beautiful photograph. Thanks so much for sharing with us all.

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  57. NancyJuly 3, 2011 at 9:47 PM

    Well done. Beautiful photos! I like that song better than The Star Spangled Banner. Nancy

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  58. Ingmarie WeJuly 4, 2011 at 4:28 AM

    Fantastic. Yest America is lovely country. And your photos are just amazing. Lov e the mosaic too.
    Have a happy 4th.

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  59. Sam Hoffer / My Carolina KitchenJuly 4, 2011 at 6:58 AM

    I think if there was such a thing, you would win the "most patriotic award" for this post. I can't wait to show it to my husband.

    Happy 4th of July Pat. I'm proud to be an American.
    Sam

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  60. GratefulPrayerThankfulHeartJuly 4, 2011 at 7:40 AM

    A beautiful, Patriotic post! Perfect photos!

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  61. CindyJuly 4, 2011 at 8:42 AM

    The USA is truly the most beautiful country in the world!!!
    I love all of your photos!
    Happy Independence Day!!! And may God continue to bless America.
    Hugs, Cindy

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  62. Jill HarrisonJuly 4, 2011 at 9:12 AM

    a wonderful salute to your country. Thank you for sharing your stunning images. Happy 4th July to you and have a great week.

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  63. SciaradaJuly 4, 2011 at 12:33 PM

    Ciao Pat, happy anniversary!
    Auguri dall'Italia e viva la libertà!

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  64. LorrieJuly 4, 2011 at 2:28 PM

    Gorgeous photos to illustrate your beautiful country's national anthem. Happy 4th to you!

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  65. SuzyJuly 4, 2011 at 5:51 PM

    Gorgeous post and photos. I love them all but the bison one really caught my attention. Happy 4th to you!

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  66. Judy July 4, 2011 at 5:57 PM

    So true...America is beautiful! And I have visited many of those same spots. You matched up the pic's with the song perfectly.

    Happy 4th of July to you. Looking forward to seeing what you did!

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  67. Glenda/MidSouthJuly 4, 2011 at 10:38 PM

    Beautiful !!! Thanks!

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  68. Ciao Chow LindaJuly 5, 2011 at 7:47 AM

    Beautiful post Pat and I loved the photos you chose. That song is so much nicer than our real national anthem.

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  69. Gardening in a SandboxJuly 5, 2011 at 9:26 AM

    Beautiful views to emphasize the words to your national anthem. Well done. V

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  70. GracieJuly 5, 2011 at 9:30 AM

    Hope you had a great day with your family!

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  71. Welshcakes LimoncelloJuly 5, 2011 at 12:34 PM

    A great post and I hope you had a great day.

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  72. SarahJuly 6, 2011 at 12:17 AM

    Pat, your photos amaze me. What a beautiful tribute to America.

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  73. HouseelfJuly 6, 2011 at 4:41 AM

    Great use of your photos to fit the lyrics. I'm back now but it will take a couple more days to get sorted. I sent a postcard.

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  74. ClaudiaJuly 6, 2011 at 7:20 PM

    About that photo essay you should be compiling for a book on America.... have you started yet? Because I want to buy it.

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