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While
Nebraska is celebrating her semi-centennial, and while
a great chorus is entertaining the people at the new
Auditorium, would it not be well to have the new state
song, "Nebraska" sung, with all the added
effects of a great band and the enthusiasm it arouses?
"Nebraska",
is a song calculated to arouse and stimulate state pride.
The World Herald has had occasion to refer to
this song before and it takes this occasion to refer
to it again. It was written by a Nebraskan who
has contributed much to the widespread advertising of
Nebraska resources; who has, in season and out of season,
in sunshine and in storm, kept up his optimistic faith
in Nebraska's greatness and splendid future. An
in his state song, "Nebraska," Will M. Maupin
has added the capsheaf of his loyal work in heralding
Nebraska's greatness abroad. The music is by another
Nebraskan, who has resided in the east during a portion
of his professional career, and while there never lost
an opportunity to point with pride to his home state
and add his meed of praise to her greatness. Into
the music of "Nebraska." Mr. Will O'Shea
has put his bet efforts, and the result is a stirring
march that will arouse instant enthusiasm. Competent
musical critics have declared "Nebraska" to
be the bet of the state songs, both in its poetic and
its musical construction.
"Nebraska"
was sung by the Nebraska Press Association at St. Louis,
and the throngs in Agricultural hall greeted it with
enthusiasm. It cheered the University of Nebraska
foot ball team on to victory during the historic game
at Lawrence, Kansas. It is being sung in a number
of schools throughout the state, and everywhere it has
struck a popular chord. The World Herald hopes
that the management of the festival chorus, will include
it in the programs of that great musical event, and
familiarize the attending thousands with it. It
is a song worthy of great state and should be as familiar
to every Nebraska school child as "America".
Nebraska
we stand while we sing to thee
Thy
star on the flag we cheer
Not
one on the blue shine brighter than you.
None
other to heart so dear
Whatever
betide our hearts swell with pride
At
mention of your great name;
And
loudly we sing till the echoes sing
Of
our Nebraska's fame.
If
ever a state deserved all the encomiums pronounced;
if ever a state deserved the unswerving loyalty of its
people; if ever a state has won homage that should be
paid in song and story, that state is Nebraska.
Nebraska,
first in fertility, last in illiteracy; first in progress,
last in poverty; first in doing of good deeds, last
in forgetfulness of duty owing to others.
Omaha
World Herald - June 9, 1904
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