Fair Antigua, We Salute Thee

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Fair Antigua, We Salute Thee

National anthem of Antigua and Barbuda
LyricsNovelle Hamilton Richards, 1967
MusicWalter Garnet Picart Chambers, 1967
Adopted1967
Readopted1981
Audio sample
U.S. Navy Band instrumental version (one verse)

"Fair Antigua, We Salute Thee" is the national anthem of Antigua and Barbuda. Written by Novelle Hamilton Richards and composed by Walter Garnet Picart Chambers, it was adopted in 1967 while Antigua and Barbuda were still a British colony. [1] It was adopted as the national anthem upon independence in 1981. [2]

Contents

Lyrics

The first verse is usually only performed during official events.

I
Fair Antigua and Barbuda.
We thy sons and daughters stand
Strong and firm in peace or danger
To safeguard our native land
We commit ourselves to building
A true nation brave and free;
Ever striving, ever seeking,
Dwell in love and unity

II
Raise the standard! Raise it boldly!
Answer now to duty's call
To the service of thy country,
Sparing nothing, giving all;
Gird your loins and join the battle
'Gainst fear, hate and poverty,
Each endeavouring, all achieving,
Live in peace where man is free.

III
God of nations, let Thy blessings
Fall upon this land of ours;
Rain and sunshine ever sending,
Fill her fields with crops and flowers;
We her children do implore Thee,
Give us strength, faith, loyalty,
Never failing, all enduring
To defend her liberty. [3]

Former 1967-1981 lyrics

I [4]

Fair Antigua we salute thee

Proudly we this Anthem raise

To thy glory and thy beauty

Joyfully we sing the praise

Of the virtues all bestowed

On thy sons and daughters free

Ever striving, ever seeking

Dwell in Love and Unity.

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References

  1. Agency, Central Intelligence (2016-11-22). The CIA World Factbook 2017. Skyhorse Publishing, Inc. p. 32. ISBN   9781510712898.
  2. Minahan, James (2009-12-23). The Complete Guide to National Symbols and Emblems [2 Volumes]. ABC-CLIO. p. 658. ISBN   9780313344978.
  3. "Our National Anthem". Our National Anthem. Retrieved 2022-04-13.
  4. "ANTIGUA & BARBUDA'S CULTURAL HERITAGE". antiguahistory.net. Retrieved 2022-05-15.