our forefathers gave thanks to god,

in the land by the stormy sea,

for bread hard wrung from the iron sod

in cold and misery.

though every day meant toil and strife,

in the land by the stormy sea,

they thanked their god for the gift of life—

how much the more should we!

stern frost had they full many a day,

strong ice on the stormy sea,

long months of snow, gray clouds hung low,

and a cold wind endlessly;

winter, and war with an alien race—

but they were alive and free!

and they thanked their god for his good grace—

how much the more should we!

for we have a land all sunny with gold,—

a land by the summer sea;

gold in the earth for our hands to hold,

gold in blossom and tree;

comfort, and plenty, and beauty, and peace,

from the mountains down to the sea.

they thanked their god for a year’s increase—

how much the more should we!