The Star-Spangled Banner

Happy Monday Music Lovers,

You ever watch those shows called “Don’t Forget The Lyrics” or “The Singing Bee,” and yell at the television as the contestants blank on some of the most popular songs?  After watching last nights Super Bowl the song of our nation hit in my heart.  Did you ever stop to think many do not know the history and meaning of our National Anthem?  It is disheartening to not take pride in your nation and know a little bit about the history of how it came to be.  Those moments in history, which makes you smile with pride and joy and reach out to your fellow man/woman with pride.  “The Star Spangled Banner,” has been America’s National Anthem since 1931.  Francis Scott Key wrote the song in response to the War of 1812.

 

Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn’s early light,

What so proudly we hail’d at the twilight’s last gleaming?

Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro’ the perilous fight,

O’er the ramparts we watch’d, were so gallantly streaming?

And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air,

Gave proof thro’ the night that our flag was still there.

O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave

O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

The War of 1812 began when there was a British intrusion into American international affairs and trade.  Key wrote his poem in response to the bombing of Fort McHenry and he could see the American flag waving distantly in the air.  Moved by the sight Key began his poem.  The American flag was crafted in 1813 when Mary Pickersgill was hired to make two flags.  The one, which we know today as The Star Spangled Banner, hung at Fort McHenry at 30×42 foot.  When Key was traveling into the Baltimore harbor on September 14, 1814 he saw the flag as a symbol of strength and perseverance.

I will admit, there are many things in our Nation’s history, which I am a bit fuzzy on, but I recognize I want to know more.  There are so many positives to the history, which lead to the America today, and we should take the time to divulge and learn from the past.  Ever hear the saying, “History repeats itself?”

As always bloggers, until next time, keep those ears entertained.

 

 

Musically,

Chelsea ♫