Submitted by Kathryn McAllister, Virginia
Idea posted May 22, 2007
We have used "The Lights Of Freedom" in our third grade patriotic show. After the initial verse, in the instrumental section, three children present the American flag from the back of the auditorium up to the stage. The rest of the children all make a state flag and are separated into groups as to when their state is announced. In the section just before the states are announced, when we sing, "The lights, the lights, O say can we see..., " each state group walks from the side of the auditorium to in front of the stage and holds up their state flag when it is called. Then each state group goes up on stage onto the risers as the next group comes forward. This continues until all states are named. In the last section of the song, our state flag (Virginia) is brought forth from the back of the auditorium to the front (just like the United States flag was earlier). It is very effective, and we use it as our opening song.
Additionally, during "This Is America" we say the "Pledge of Allegiance" during the instrumental section of the song. It sounds great and fits perfectly.