Posted on 09/14/2014 11:45:13 AM PDT by Whenifhow
This weekend marks the 200th anniversary of the writing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Over the years, many debates have surrounded the national anthem — involving its meaning, its quality and the circumstances under which Francis Scott Key came to write it. Before you hear “Oh say, can you see” at the next ballgame or school assembly, make sure you’ve dispelled these myths first.
1. ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ was written about an insignificant battle in an insignificant war.
The nation’s future was at stake in 1814, with the US on the brink of defeat in the third year of the War of 1812, a conflict with Britain that would determine the future of the North America. The battle for Baltimore took place three weeks after the British captured Washington , leaving the Capitol, the White House and virtually every other federal building a smoking ruin.
With President Madison’s government on the run, the U.S. treasury bankrupt and British forces preparing an attack from Canada to sever New England from the rest of the country, there was widespread fear that another defeat could force the collapse of the government and the dissolution of the Union.
Yet the US escaped disaster largely because the repulse of the British at Baltimore and the concurrent U.S. victory at Lake Champlain forced Britain to drop harsh peace terms. For many Americans, this second war of independence created a feeling of national unity that had not truly existed — a fitting moment for the nation’s anthem to emerge.
2. The anthem is a celebration of war.
3. Key was too far from Fort McHenry to see anything, let alone the flag.
4. We should make ‘America the Beautiful’ our anthem.
5. The flag flying over Fort McHenry during the bombardment is on display at the Smithsonian.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
OK, read the article first, NVA. D’oh!
This is better:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRUjr8EVgBg
The article below claims that Francis Scott Key borrowed the tune “To Anacreon in Heaven” - video of that tune is linked below.
‘Star-Spangled Banner’: Anthem was once a song of drinking and sex
“The words of ‘To Anacreon in Heaven,’ the song that Francis Scott Key borrowed for the melody of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner,’
The Anacreon Song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydAIdVKv84g
Which seems to have been a favorite tavern song of the day, so that writing patriotic lyrics to the tune would be a vehicle to make the lyrics more popular.
Just said a prayer of thanks to the Almighty.
He decreed that 200 years ago today, the fledgling nation called the United States of America would not be allowed to revert back to British domination, but would remain free, and to fulfill its destiny as the shining beacon of freedom to the world.
The song Has 4verses The first verse and the question that is only answered in the fourth verse. Inexplicably are dumb downed nation only knows of the first verse which is a shame because it is nonsensical without the other three.
If you are a veteran and want to get your blood pumping, listen to the fabulous rendition of the National Anthem by Madison Rising....
AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Whitney Houston - Star Spangled Banner
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_lCmBvYMRs
One of the best ever.
4 Minutes
Madison Rising - The Star Spangled Banner (America The Movie Version)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWmuIyZyRug
Go here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8C7i9kdEf8
The lead singer is a Navy veteran (Hospital Corpseman)
all 4 verses are posted here
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/3203773/posts?page=8#8
Also some original documents here
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/3203773/posts?page=19#19
I think the Battle of New Orleans is what sealed America’s independence. I know a peace treaty had been signed before the battle even took place but that really lopsided win put the stamp of victory, and strength on the treaty.
That video is a really good one also...
BOTH videos get my old, beatup, worndown blood to pumping...
From a Hospital Corpseman http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8C7i9kdEf8
O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good
with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!
O beautiful for pilgrim feet
Whose stern impassioned stress
A thoroughfare of freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America! America!
God mend thine every flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law!
O beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife.
Who more than self their country loved
And mercy more than life!
America! America!
May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness
And every gain divine
!O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!
Changing the anthem now would cause liberal DemocRATS' heads to explode all over the country. Not only the mention of God but for other lines in the lyrics as well. It just doesn't fit their "What's In It For Me" fundamentally transformed America.
That is a quality video! Thanks!
For sports fans:
The Maryland football team will wear ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ lyrics against West Virginia
AND
A superstar rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner - featuring some of the best performances at @MLB games: http://atmlb.com/1uC4Jqp #SSB200
Sarah Maclachan does a nice one as well as O CANADA at a hockey game. there are probably more us hockey fans who know the words to O CANADA than libtards knowing the words to THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.