March 3 is...
National Anthem Day
It has been assumed by a few people that National Anthem Day is September 14, the day the song was written. This is incorrect. National Anthem Day is every March 3rd, in celebration of the day that congress made the Star-Spangled Banner our national anthem.
Celebrate today by proudly flying the flag while the words and tune of Star-Spangled Banner infiltrate the air. Don't just listen to and sing the Star-Spangled Banner: Know the history behind its creation! Ask your kids if they know what day it is, but most importantly if they have been taught, studied and know its true meaning!
Embrace the Past...
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Contrary to many beliefs the Star Spangled Banner was written during the War of 1812 (1812-1814), instead of during the Revolutionary War (1775-1783).
It was during this time of war (1812-1814) 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.
In August 1814, the British army detained Dr. William Beanes as a prisoner of war. He was a friend of Francis Scott Key. On Sept. 13, 1814, Francis Scott Key & a U.S. negotiator boarded a British vessel where Beanes was being held. He negotiated his friends' release. But then, Francis Scott Key was detained that day along with the negotiator. They were held until after the attack on Fort McHenry, which guarded the harbor and city of Baltimore, Maryland.
Key watched the bombardment of the fort from the ship. The next morning, he was ecstatic to see that the American flag was still flying over Fort McHenry. The sight of those "broad stripes and bright stars" inspired Francis Scott Key to write The Star-Spangled Banner the following day (September 14, 1814).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, MD.
The Star-Spangled Banner: Play it loudly!
The American Flag: Wave it proudly!
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 this valuable DVD tool to assist in promoting Patriotism in America.
Freedom Rings!
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”
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”
©2013 Awakenings
Sharla Lee Shults
“People will not look
forward to posterity who never look backward
to their ancestors.” —Edmund Burke (1729–1797)
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