Land of the Free facts for kids
| National anthem of |  Belize |
|---|---|
| Lyrics | Samuel Alfred Haynes, 1963 |
| Music | Selwyn Walford Young, 1963 |
| Adopted | 1981 |
Land of the Free is the official national anthem of Belize, a country located in Central America. A national anthem is a special song that represents a country's history, traditions, and the spirit of its people. It is often played at important national events, sports competitions, and ceremonies.
The words for "Land of the Free" were written by Samuel Alfred Haynes. The music was composed by Selwyn Walford Young. Both of them created this anthem in 1963. It became the official national anthem when Belize gained its independence in 1981.
What is a National Anthem?
A national anthem is like a musical symbol for a country. It helps people feel proud and united. Imagine a big sporting event, like the Olympics. When an athlete wins a gold medal, their country's flag is raised, and their national anthem is played. This moment shows the world the country's identity and achievements.
For Belize, "Land of the Free" celebrates the nation's journey to becoming an independent country. It reminds citizens of their freedom and the beauty of their homeland.
The Creators of 'Land of the Free'
The anthem was a team effort! The words were written by Samuel Alfred Haynes. He was a talented writer who wanted to capture the spirit of Belize in song. His lyrics speak about the country's natural beauty and the bravery of its people.
The music was composed by Selwyn Walford Young. He created a melody that matches the powerful words. Together, their work made a song that truly represents Belize. They finished their work on the anthem in 1963.
When Did It Become Official?
Belize used to be a British colony called British Honduras. Over many years, the people of Belize worked towards becoming an independent nation. This dream came true on September 21, 1981, when Belize officially became an independent country.
When Belize became independent, it needed its own national symbols, like a flag and an anthem. "Land of the Free" was chosen to be the national anthem in 1981. This made it a very important part of Belize's new identity as a free and sovereign nation.
