Ode to the Columbia River: because you gave us power
How America’s most powerful river fuels hope
TEXT: With a flip of a switch, everything changed
FDR at Bonneville Dam Dedication: “In the construction of this dam”
TEXT: Since1937, FDR: “we have had our eyes on the future
of the nation” TEXT: You brought electricity to the rural
Northwest FDR: “the cheapening of electric power”
TEXT: You broke down barriers for families burdened
FDR: “and the distribution of that power” TEXT: By daily chores
You gave us light, even at night FDR: “Its cost will be returned to the United
States, many, many times over.”
TEXT: With the flip of a switch you gave us power,
The power to win a world war, The power to save others,
The power to prosper, Today, you are still giving.
You water the crops that feed us.
You open the doors for trade and commerce.
You give us a place to play and to rest.
Because of you we can breathe clean air.
Your carbon-free power even brews our best beer.
Your current is steadfast.
Your cost is low.
That’s what major industries know.
We lead the nation linking wind We renew because of you.
News Report Audio: “It was a sad experience for some; the Indians solemnly watched their
ancient fishing grounds at Celilo Falls slowly disappeared under the water.
TEXT: We learned to listen, to mitigate, to mend…
Terry Goudy-Rambler, Yakama Nation: “It brings tears, to know that we’re never,
ever gonna have that, which it has been taken from us: our way of life.”
TEXT: To commit to the future Terry Goudy-Rambler, Yakama Nation: “So
I’m glad that we’re here with the inter agencies.
They are going to honor this day today, and that we’ll choose to walk this way.
Thank you.”
TEXT: Together, we built one of the largest ecosystem recovery efforts in the world.
Employee: “It is really exciting to see the project come to fruition.”
TEXT: Oh, Columbia, because you give we give to you
We honor your bounty, together, with our partners, As a global leader in saving energy
We inspire our children to unlock your secrets Oh, Columbia your raw power makes the most
amazing energy, on earth.
Thank you, mighty Columbia.