Unfamiliar with Connie Francis' version of this song? Hear it here.
1) Irving Berlin's lyrics celebrate our mountains, prairies, and oceans. Which of these geographical features is nearest your home? It is hilly where I live, but they call the hills the Ozark Mountains. They do not look like the real mountains. The prairie is not far either. The ocean is nowhere near me. It is definitely not flat here though. Here is a picture of what it looks like here.
2) Berlin donated his royalties from "God Bless America" to the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts of America. Were you ever a Scout? I was a girl scout in elementary school
3) While this week's song has been recorded many times, we're concentrating on Connie Francis' 1959 version. It was never intended to be a hit, released as the B-side to her popular "Among My Souvenirs." But it took off when it was played at school rallies and patriotic events. Do you know all the lyrics to "God Bless America?" Could you sing along with Connie? I was in choir all of my school years, 1 year in college and church choir, so yes, I learned and performed it while in choirs over the years.
4) After she wrote her autobiography, Connie said she wanted Valerie Bertinelli to play her in the movie. Even though Valerie isn't known for her singing, Connie liked that they were both Italian-American and 5'5". If we made a movie of your life, who should play you? I always thought Sandra Bullock, just because she is so silly.
5) Connie had a passionate romance with Bobby Darin, and their relationship is included in the Broadway show about Bobby's life, Just In Time. While Connie expressed her support for the production, she never saw the show because hip problems made flying difficult. How about you? Are you dealing with any aches or pains today? My hips always hurt and my back.
6) The Fourth of July means we're in the middle of summer. Are you careful about applying sunscreen? yes, if I am going to be out in the sun, I apply it generously.
7) More beer is purchased for the 4th of July than any other holiday. What beverage will be served with your July 4th meal? Probably tea, soda or water.
8) Emergency rooms expect an increase over the July 4th holiday. The most common causes are sports injuries (like jammed wrists and wrenched knees) and the unwise use of home fireworks. Have you been to the ER or Urgent Care during 2026? I took my husband early in the year for migraines, but I haven't been for myself.
9) New York is home to Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest every year on the 4th. Will hot dogs be consumed in your household this weekend? Probably hotdogs and hamburgers.
