My country, 'tis of thee.

Our father’s God, to thee

Author of liberty

To thee we sing.

Long may our land be bright

With freedom’s holy light

Protect us by thy might

Great God, our King.

These words written by Rev. Samuel F. Smith in 1832 are the fourth verse of the song America – you know, the one that starts “My country, ‘tis of thee”.

The words moved me today as we sang them at the close of daily mass, paying special tribute to our veterans and acknowledging the sacrifices that make it possible for us to attend daily mass, freely express our viewpoints and elect our government leaders.

It comforted me to remember that God is the author of our liberty and He lights our land with holy light.

To those who have served this great land, including not only veterans but active military and first responders, I am filled with gratitude for your self-less service.