Vigil For Civility

Neither candidate has a claim on these simple, inspiring two words, or course. It is ours, and the dreams of every American patriot are theirs alone, born not out of conferrence, but innate to those who treasure the blessings and responsibilities of liberty.

Please allow these lyrics from two different slices of America’s history inspire you this weekend as we approach the final two days of the vigil. May it never be that the dream fades due to any lack of vigilance or honorable civility in our generation.

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL
Oh beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years.
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears.
America! America! God shed his grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea.

Then… years later, a more reflective, self-questioning version:

Patriot’s Dream
words and music by Arlo Guthrie

Living now here but for fortune
Placed by fate’s mysterious schemes
Who’d believe that we’re the ones asked
To try to rekindle the patriot’s dreams

Arise sweet destiny, time runs short
All of your patience has heard their retort
Hear us now for alone we can’t seem
To try to rekindle the patriot’s dreams

Can you hear the words being whispered
All along the American stream
Tyrants freed the just are imprisoned
Try to rekindle the patriot’s dreams

Ah but perhaps too much is being asked of too few
You and your children with nothing to do
Hear us now for alone we can’t seem
To try to rekindle the patriot’s dreams

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