| MANIFEST DESTINY AND THE PIONEER SPIRIT Now, the path of our tale follows bravely the sun As westward it arches to the Pacific Ocean, With that halo of gold as though pointing the way To the vast varied lands -- now, the U.S. of A. Indeed, as settlers moved west, leaving dust in their tracks, New states came on board and lined up in stacks. From Mexico's border to Canada on top, The nation grew, grew and grew -- 'til the sea bid her stop. And some early on and all else before long Could see that this country would grow brawny and strong, With great energies unbound and a heart bold as any, Her future appeared: a Manifest Destiny! As it seemed by the fates or maybe God's plan, That her flag would unfurl across the whole land, Making claim as a right to go plant in all places The American Way and democracy's graces. And folks bundled their things and took the Oregon Trail On the great wagon-trains which no force could derail. No, not stopped by the mountains, nor stilled by the wind, Like a man fully grown and with heels digging in, Families plodded and trudged through the rain, mud and snow; They'd work, play and sleep 'til they heard, "Wagons Ho!" And their pioneer spirit to all climes far and wide Went to farm every valley and to sail every tide. And with horizons so vast and an open frontier The land's soul took its shape with a stirring idea: That HERE was the life which heard freedom's call For the rugged and restless to come one and all. That all of life's promise lay wide open and out For folks truly unstinting, self-reliant and stout. That we Americans are, and so let it be known, Always willing to GO, to venture out on our own... |
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| Worksheet # 77 |
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