(Sample) Week #27 PATRIOTIC SONGS

Author

Lisa Peterson
June 29, 2025

Week #27

Patriotic Songs

This is week 27 of the year and we will be celebrating Patriotic Songs, by delving into the songs and applying concepts to create more joy and connection during caregiving routines with music.

The songs are:

  • America (My Country 'Tis of Thee)

  • America the Beautiful

  • Battle Hymn of the Republic

  • Caissons Go Rolling Along

  • Marine’s Hymn

  • Star-Spangled Banner, The

  • When Johnny Comes Marching Home

  • Yankee Doodle

  • You’re a Grand Old Flag

SING ALONG

Featured Song

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL

The lyrics to “America the Beautiful” started as a poem written by Katherine Lee Bates and published in 1895 that came to her as she stood at the top of Pikes Peak in Colorado. The song is often proposed as an alternative American national anthem due to its easier-to-sing melody and more positive, peaceful lyrics.

  • Is this melody familiar to you?

  • Are the words familiar?

  • Did you find yourself humming along?

  • How did it affect you? Did your awareness change? Your breath? Your focus? Your mood?

  • Would you feel comfortable playing this in the background and allow yourself to hum or sing along? By yourself and/or with the one(s) you care for?

America the Beautiful Here Ray Charles’ classic version of the song. I hope you enjoy it!

Creative Ideas

HOW TO USE THE MUSIC

  • Try humming or singing along with the provided recording, or one of your choosing for increased feeling of ______.

  • Listen to a recording to create a shared experience.

  • Listen while engaged in daily routines, to add a feeling of familiarity and comfort (if the song is known and loved)

  • Try reminiscing with the song history, or singers of the song. Look at pictures famous singers who performed the song.

SELF-CARE TIPS

Along with the 4th of July holiday may come many expectations of what we “should do”. to celebrate. Our tip for this 4th of July holiday is to give yourself permission to plan for what works best for you, instead of feeling pressured to do “all the holiday things”. If you are providing care for your loved one this 4th of July, honor what would be good for you. Instead of trying to go see the fireworks, which might cause agitation and confusion, you could try one of these things:

  • look through photo albums and reminisce

  • listen to Patriotic music together and sing and/or reminisce about fireworks and parades

  • pull out any patriotic decorations, paper plates or napkins you might have

  • put on music (or a white noise machine) to drown out any fireworks sounds that might be distressful for the one you care for

  • do 4th of July art or puzzles

If you are not spending the 4th of July holiday as a caregiver, then try to make your own plans, without feeling guilty. Give yourself permission to have fun or enjoy some much deserved rest!

Share how you decided to spend 4th of July at  [email protected] 

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