Pol: Nix hymn for veterans

ALBANY – A state senator from Manhattan is urging Gov. Cuomo to “celebrate Independence Day” by vetoing a bill that would create an official state hymn to honor veterans.

In a letter to Cuomo this week, Democratic Sen. Brad Hoylman said the hymn selected by lawmakers — "Here Rests in Honored Glory” — contains “explicitly Christian” lyrics and would violate the U.S. Constitution’s prohibition against state-sanctioned religion.

“What better way to celebrate Independence Day than supporting the separation of church and state, a founding principle of our nation?”Hoylman wrote.

Hoylman argued that the hymn contains references to Jesus Christ in several lines, including “Who in the Lord’s name earnest, the king and blessed one,” and “Thou art the king of Israel, thou David’s royal son.”