Report: Disneyland Flag Raised Back to Full Staff
Page 9 of 10

God Bless America - Page 3
Some sang along with the familiar refrain including Cynthia Harriss who stood with hand over her heart. Others in the crowd simply waved their flags in time with the music. As the song reached its crescendo beautiful white birds were released as the crowd began to cheer. Ms. Espinosa appeared teary eyed as the song concluded as did many in the crowd. Upon the event's conclusion the Disneyland Band played Sousa's Stars and Stripes Forever.

(historical note: God Bless America was originally written in 1918 by Russian immigrant Irving Berlin but was set aside as its solemn tone didn't fit with the rest of the lighthearted show he had written. Berlin made some minor lyrics alterations and presented the song in 1938 as war loomed over Europe in a recording by Kate Smith. The song was an instant hit. Berlin donated all the royalties of the song to the Boy and Girl Scouts of America through his God Bless America fund. Berlin often cited it as the most important song he had written.)

At the conclusion of the song white doves were released...
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...and the crowd proudly waved their American flags.
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