I always thought it was for the so-called War of 1812, which is now 200 years past and just as appropriate. Big fan of the Rev, but we need to pay more heed to the 2nd war for independence, too. And Baltimore’s defense against the invading Brits is nothing less than astounding. There really should be a celebration for that.
Well, sort of: from a geopolitical stand point, the War of 1812 was part of the Napoleonic Wars. Of course, having chosen to fight Britain rather than France over the impressment of American sailors (they were both doing it), we were effectively on the same side as France against Britain, Russia, and Austria, so it’s an odd choice for American patriotic celebrations, as it commemorates Napoleon’s defeat.
Of course there is a good excuse for playing Tsarist patriotic music on 4 July: 4 July is the Feast of the Royal-Passion Bearers of Russia, commemorating Nicholas II, Alexandra and the members of their family and household murdered by the Bolsheviks.