In early 1940, Kate Smith, a fiercely patriotic American and the biggest star on radio, was deeply worried about her country.

She asked Irving Berlin if he could give her a song that would reignite the spirit of American patriotism and faith.  He said he had a song that he had written in 1917, but never used it.  He said she could have it.

Ms. Smith sat at the piano and played it realizing how good it was.  She called Mr. Berlin and told him that she couldn’t take this from him for nothing. So, they agreed that any money that would be  made from the song would be donated to the Boy Scouts of America. Thanks to Kate Smith and Irving Berlin, the Scouts have received millions of dollars in royalties over the years.

This youtube.com video clip is from the movie “You’re In The Army Now.” You will see a familiar face in this — one of which we are all very proud.

Frank Sinatra said that when Kate Smith, whom he considered the greatest singer of his age, first sang this song on the radio, a million guys got ‘dust’ in their eyes and had to wipe away the tears.