First Ever Capitol Hill Flash Mob - America the Beautiful

On April 5, 2011, Capitol Hill saw its first ever flash mob when "The Capital Hearings" led the crowd of politicians, arts advocates and celebrities in a rousing rendition of America the Beautiful! This is a mash-up of footage from OvationTV as well as several crowd-sourced cell phone videos. Special thanks to Americans for the Arts for organizing Arts Advocacy Day and Ovation for their generous support.


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Editing by Matthew S. Schwartz

[queenb]

I think congress needs to sing this and the recite the pledge every time they go into session!

[carlaaustin]

How excellent they sang it, how sad those who wouldn't stand up and those who wouldn't sing it. Praise God for those who participated and showed no hesitation.

[JayRope]

It's things like that, that make me thankful for serving. It's so we can show our feelings and expressions through the power of free speech and the beauty of song.

[peterfeiler]

How nice to see and hear Americans with this wonderful song. We brits know that you Americans wear your hearts so that everyone can see them. Good luck to you all.
Peter Feiler

[JimMLINY]

What ever happened to this America? Fantastic stuff, KUDOS to all involved, well done!

[AZdoberwoman]

This reminds me of Congress making a statement to the country on the night of 9/11, on the Capitol steps. As they began to disperse, someone started singing this; everyone regrouped and joined in. Very moving. The clip is on YouTube.

[ernestrevell]

Beautiful we need more of that on Congress today.

[lorrainemacphersonowens]

Not American but living there. Goosebumps and proud to live here.

[parlakng]

I am not an American, since 1950 when I was a 5 years old kid, I learned the USA, they donated a lot of foods to our school, till now we really appreciated . Till now ! Every time I hear this great beautiful song it trembling my soul, I always wish and hope America the Beautiful, just like this song’s lyrics, I love this song, God Bless America !

[andreafreeland]

Love it!!!! God shed His grace on thee!!!!

[j.vi-geant]

Outstanding, I shared this with my Connection on LI. Thank you endlessly for uploading 👍🇺🇸👏

[scrippslarry]

Fantastic, and so appropriate for the event!

[charlessimmons]

Thank God and our men and women in uniform that we made it through weekend. God bless America and the people of Paris !

[mystieref]

O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for pilgrim feet
Whose stern impassioned stress
A thoroughfare of freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America! America!
God mend thine every flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law!

O beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife.
Who more than self their country loved
And mercy more than life!
America! America!
May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness
And every gain divine!

O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for halcyon skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the enameled plain!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
Till souls wax fair as earth and air
And music-hearted sea!

O beautiful for pilgrims feet,
Whose stem impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
Till paths be wrought through
wilds of thought
By pilgrim foot and knee!

O beautiful for glory-tale
Of liberating strife
When once and twice,
for man's avail
Men lavished precious life!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
Till selfish gain no longer stain
The banner of the free!

O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
Till nobler men keep once again
Thy whiter jubilee!

[BuckBlaziken]

This is pretty neat. Regardless of their political opinions, both republicans and most Democrats stood up and started singing as well. For a small moment in history, there was some sense of unity in Capitol Hill regardless of what side of the political spectrum they stood.

[carolparker]

Sad to see all those who feared to stand and sing such a patriotic song.

[billk]

America is like one big family, we can say what's wrong with our family, but don't let anyone else say what's wrong : )

[beforeisleepdotnet]

This is so great! I was there and this video totally captures the moment. Thrilling! I love the danish guy!

[JoeJacksonGT]

Rumor has it, this was written sometime during the 1890's. Just think how far we've drifted from being ONE. Our Country has grown to an unrecognizable position.

[surfergirl]

This would be a much better national anthem! Beautiful.