'To the fourth of July': As US celebrates Independence Day today, a look at Swami Vivekananda's poem

July 4 of every year marks the Independence Day of the United States Assam. On July 4, 1776, the thirteen colonies of Great Britain had declared themselves independent from colonial rule.

Washington: The independence day of the United States of America is marked on July 4 every year. It is popularly known for its date hence called the 'fourth of July' commonly. The day marks the Independence of the USA as on July 4, 1776, the thirteen colonies of Great Britain had declared themselves independent from colonial rule. Since then, the day is celebrated with huge fireworks, parades, carnivals, and fairs.   On the occasion, Swami Vivekananda, one of the greatest Indian Hindu monks, on his visit to the US on July 4, 1898, had written a heart-touching poem ' To the Fouth of July'. It had marked a momentous day for the country. Behold, the dark clouds melt away, That gathered thick at night, and hung So like a gloomy pall above the earth! Before thy magic touch, the world Awakes. The birds in chorus sing. The flowers raise their star-like crowns— Dew-set, and wave thee welcome fair. The lakes are opening wide in love Their hundred thousand lotus-eyes To welcome thee, with all their depth. All hail to thee, thou Lord of Light! A welcome new to thee, today, O Sun! Today thou sheddest Liberty! Bethink thee how the world did wait, And search for thee, through time and clime. Some gave up home and love of friends, And went in quest of thee, self-banished, Through dreary oceans, through primeval forests, Each step a struggle for their life or death; Then came the day when work bore fruit, And worship, love, and sacrifice, Fulfilled, accepted, and complete. Then thou, propitious, rose to shed The light of Freedom on mankind. Move on, O Lord, in thy resistless path! Till thy high noon o'erspreads the world. Till every land reflects thy light, Till men and women, with uplifted head, Behold their shackles broken, and Know, in springing joy, their life renewed!