The Fourth of July holiday is a time for our nation to celebrate. After spending the day with friends and family, at barbecues or watching fireworks, you might come away with a patriotic tune stuck in your head.

Ever since the United States was founded, music has been a way to celebrate our nation and promote unity. "The Liberty Song," written by John Dickinson in 1768 is one of the first patriotic songs written in America. In 1814, Washington lawyer Francis Scott Key wrote the poem titled "Defense of Fort McHenry” which was later set to music and became known as “The Star-Spangled Banner.” In 1931 the song was designated as the country’s national anthem.

Other popular patriotic pieces include, Irving Berlin’s “God Bless America,” Woody Guthrie’s “This Land is Your Land” and Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA.” Many of these iconic songs have been performed by various artists through the years and recorded to albums for all ages.

Check out some of the patriotic selections available at the library, perfect for any summertime celebration: