Church music for the 4th

There is some controversy over what music is appropriate to sing in church on the 4th of July in the United States. I have known clergy who loath any patriotic music on that day, and of course there are those for whom God and Country are almost interchangable.

Adoremus, the Society for Renewal of the Sacred Liturgy suggests what it calls "The National Hymn"--God of Our Fathers. Played properly, with all the flourishes, it is a moving and appropriate song for this time of year.

I also like Eternal Father, Strong to Save, otherwise known as The Navy Hymn. It was a favorite of FDR's.

Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who biddest the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!

O Christ! Whose voice the waters heard
And hushed their raging at Thy Word,
Who walked on the foaming deep,
And calm amidst its rage didst sleep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!

Most Holy Spirit! Who didst brood
Upon the chaos dark and rude,
And bid its angry tumult cease,
And give, for wild confusion, peace;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!

O Trinity of love and power!
Our family shield in danger’s hour;
From rock and tempest, fire and foe,
Protect us wheresoever we go;
Thus evermore shall rise to Thee
Glad hymns of praise from land and sea.