One day closer to the 4th of July unites America with the theme for today: Music. All celebrations need music and of course, a plethora of songs can be found most befitting to this holiday. But, one stands out over all the rest. . .one with a story—a story of a battle fought, a battle won —one that has become a national symbol evoking powerful emotions and what it means to be an American.
Continuing this year's Countdown:
5 - In God We Trust
4 - Star-Spangled Banner
3 - Pledge of Allegiance
2 - Remember Our Troops
1 - Happy Independence Day
Next time you hear the Star-Spangled Banner, listen to its words with vision...
On a rainy September 13, 1814, British warships sent a downpour of shells and rockets onto Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor, relentlessly pounding the American fort for 25 hours. The bombardment, known as the Battle of Baltimore, came only weeks after the British had attacked Washington, D.C., burning the Capitol, the Treasury and the President's house. It was another chapter in the ongoing War of 1812. [Source: Smithsonian.com]
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It was during this time of war (1812-1815) that Francis Scott Key penned the words to the Star-Spangled Banner. There is an extreme amount of emotion involved in fully understanding the era before the battle, the defense of Fort McHenry, the poem, the tune, as well as the poem and tune becoming our anthem.
As stated within the Story of the Star-spangled Banner, if anything should be taken as seriously as the American flag, it would be the national anthem. Written during a time of war, it commemorates the waving of our flag following a vicious bombardment of Fort McHenry.
History of the Star Spangled Banner
Among the annals of national anthems as a prelude to sporting events, few have topped the one delivered by Whitney Houston before Super Bowl XXV in 1991 in Tampa. A woman, her incredible voice and the bare minimum of extraneous notes. Her rendition came at a particularly patriotic time, just after the onset of the Persian Gulf War, and was released as a single. It was re-released after the September 11th terrorist attacks. Houston donated all proceeds to charity. She ranks among the best of all-time because of the circumstances and ... that voice..
The Star Spangled Banner (our National Anthem) is one of America's most
cherished Patriotic Music selections. Visit AmericaTheBeautiful.com to
inspire students and use the valuable DVD tool to assist in promoting Patriotism in America.
Freedom Rings!
The voice of America resounded in jubilation
after the signing of the Declaration of Independence!
Liberty continues to herald freedom in honor of all who have sacrificed,
are sacrificing today, and
will sacrifice in the future for America.
What is it about our flag
Old Glory, Red, White and Blue
That symbolizes freedom
In a country tried and true?
From then…
It was July fourth when democracy was born
America became the land of the free
Battles won solidified the home of the brave
Thousands of lives, both young and old
Will long be remembered and revered
As they lie silent in the grave
But silence is not what was heard
Throughout this nation and the world
It was a bell chiming that roared
The lasting rights and freedoms
Valued by people the world over
Throughout America soared
’Til now…
For us, gratitude resounds with tremendous joy
Family and friends gather around
Paying homage to all who sacrificed and died
From the shores of Normandy
To America’s Liberty Bell Center
Freedom rings with immense pride
Let us never forget…
Each year as flag after flag is raised and praised
“Oh say, does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and home of the brave”
The voice of America resounded in jubilation
after the signing of the Declaration of Independence!
Liberty continues to herald freedom in honor of all who have sacrificed,
are sacrificing today, and
will sacrifice in the future for America.
What is it about our flag
Old Glory, Red, White and Blue
That symbolizes freedom
In a country tried and true?
From then…
It was July fourth when democracy was born
America became the land of the free
Battles won solidified the home of the brave
Thousands of lives, both young and old
Will long be remembered and revered
As they lie silent in the grave
But silence is not what was heard
Throughout this nation and the world
It was a bell chiming that roared
The lasting rights and freedoms
Valued by people the world over
Throughout America soared
’Til now…
For us, gratitude resounds with tremendous joy
Family and friends gather around
Paying homage to all who sacrificed and died
From the shores of Normandy
To America’s Liberty Bell Center
Freedom rings with immense pride
Let us never forget…
Each year as flag after flag is raised and praised
“Oh say, does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and home of the brave”
“People will not look
forward to posterity who never look backward
to their ancestors.” —Edmund Burke (1729–1797)
Do you like to celebrate with a cocktail?
Start the fireworks early...
Start the fireworks early...
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