- ripley's believe or not star spangled banner | Brave search
Posted on 10/11/2024 8:41:39 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
Many history buffs can explain how “The Star-Spangled Banner” was penned by Francis Scott Key after he witnessed the failed British bombardment of Baltimore’s Fort McHenry in 1814, and some may also know that the song became the U.S. national anthem in 1931. Lesser known are the details of the 117-year journey that shepherded its transformation from inspired poem to officially sanctioned emblem of American patriotism.
Originally printed under the title “Defence of Fort M’Henry” and set to the then-popular melody of “The Anacreontic Song,” “The Star-Spangled Banner,” as it later became known, quickly struck a chord among the citizens of an expanding nation. Rewritten versions of the tune were created to publicize such causes as abolition, temperance, and women’s suffrage. Although it was disowned by the short-lived Confederacy, which adopted anthems such as “Farewell to the Star Spangled Banner,” Key’s song reemerged as a symbol of the enduring union in the aftermath of the Civil War. The U.S. Navy provided its imprimatur in 1889 by making “The Star-Spangled Banner” an official part of flag-raising ceremonies, and in 1904, the Army established the custom of having servicemen “stand at attention and uncover” as the song played.Shortly after President Woodrow Wilson ordered “The Star-Spangled Banner” to be performed at all military occasions in 1916, Representative John Linthicum of Maryland began a push to establish the song as the country’s national anthem.
A vocal minority opposed this designation, on grounds ranging from the ditty’s violent imagery and its roots as an alleged drinking song to its vocal complexities.
However, Linthicum eventually submitted a petition of more than 5 million signatures and letters from 25 governors to support his bill. After Congress voted in favor of the legislation, President Herbert Hoover delivered his signature on March 3, 1931, formally recognizing the song that had long served as the all-but-official anthem of the United States.
So, there’s a pretty good chance me and Lee Greenwood won’t be around for the big day.
Like most Americans, I’m sentimental about the song; but I can see why some didn’t want it as the anthem. It’s hard to sing!
There are many musical arrangements of the Star Spangled Banner, including one by John Phillip Sousa that is particularly difficult to.play let alone sing to. However, my favorite is a short simple arrangement by Felix Vinatieri, band master for Custers 7th Calvary. A CD of Vinatieri’s music entitled Custers Last Band includes this arrangement.
https://www.allmusic.com/performance/plantation-quick-step-for-brass-band-mq0000518524
RE: but I can see why some didn’t want it as the anthem. It’s hard to sing!
America the Beautiful would have been a good anthem and it’s easier to sing ( no need for the diva-like flourishes in the phrase : “O’er the land of the freeeeeeee!” everytime some chanteuse tries it at a Sports event.)
Yes, I agree.
I actually prefer George M. Cohan’s You’re A Grand Old Flag.
Yes.
It was a patriotic song, liked by marines.
I heard (sort of rumor) that on the first Olympics (1896), they played an anthem for the winners (as they do even now).
But Americans had no anthem to play! So somebody there suggested Star Spangled Banner.
Since then, Star Spangled Banner became US Olympics and Sports anthem, which then helped the case for its official adoption thirty five years later.
I heard it, I am not sure, if it’s true, correct me if I am wrong.
It’s a nice song; but I’d want something more....dignified, I guess; with more gravitas.
I’d have to go with ‘America the Beautiful’ if we were to change it.
I was making a slight cut on Lee’s song, Proud To Be An American and how some people who stand at attention for it, look down on those who don’t. If it’s not the National Anthem, it’s not the National Anthem.
In recent years I’ve been at functions where even older adults did not stand for the anthem, much less put their hands over their hearts. So I guess standing for this song is better than nothing.
Is it still played at NFL games?
I thought
American hymn composed in 1905 commonly known as the Black national anthem
“Lift Every Voice and Sing”
Pretty well replaced it for games. I wouldn’t stand for it as I will the ‘Star Spangled Banner’.
“band master for Custers 7th Calvary.”
Men in uniforms riding horses, or the hill where Jesus died?
“America the Beautiful should be the anthem”
You’re right. Although the current Anthem makes me tear up.
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