What famous poem was penned and later set to music? Can you guess?
Times up!-have I got you stumped? Answer: The Defense of Fort McHenry or we know it by its other, more famous name, The Star-Spangled Banner.
After witnessing Maryland's Fort McHenry being bombarded by the British during the War of 1812, Francis Scott Key was inspired by a lone US flag still flying over the fort at daybreak. He was so moved, he penned his reflections into the words we all know by heart (ok, maybe I don't know all the words).
After composer John Stafford Smith set the poem to music, President Woodrow Wilson announced it should be played at all official events. That was 104 years ago. By 1931, it was adopted as our national anthem.
The flag is a symbol of patriotism and protest in our nation's history. We don't have to look far back.
Friday recalled 19 years since the tragedy of 9/11. That day still raw for many of us-what is the first image that comes to your mind after the Towers fell? Mine is the fire fighters raising the tattered, dust covered flag from the rubble at Ground Zero.
Yesterday showed contrast at the start of the NFL season as images of kneeling and fist raising players splashed across the screen and highlight reels.
The beauty of our nation is the First Amendment protects the right to disagree. Take a look around the globe-HK, Syria, Venezuela, etc. where thousands have given their lives to speak their mind. For me, I'm thankful for the USA. What moves you? Share your thoughts...and sing it with me...
O say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air
Gave proof through 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
Pictured: 11 yo Rachel B's solo debut on oboe-opening a school event with The National Anthem to thunderous applause.