God Bless America is a popular American patriotic song composed by Irving Berlin. Although written in 1918, it remained unknown until 1938, when singer Kate Smith asked Berlin for a patriotic song to perform on the radio on Armistice Day (now Veterans Day). It became one of the most popular songs of that year. As an expression of gratitude to his country, Berlin donated his earnings from the song to the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America. Because it is effective, sincere, and easy to sing, and because an American wrote it, some people have suggested that the song replace “The Star-Spangled Banner” as the American national anthem. “The Star-Spangled Banner” is based on a British melody.
