O why isn’t this our national anthem? Written by Katherine Lee Bates with music by Samuel Augustus Ward, this is Hymn 719 in our Episcopal Hymnal. It’s relatively easy to sing and siblings can spend many car miles arguing over whether to sing brotherhood or sisterhood (or siblinghood!). Also, it’s a prayer. In the second verse, we ask, “God mend thine every flaw.” This year, especially, those flaws seem … self evident. But those are big words for kids and this is a holiday. Enjoy it safely!