Free Republic

A short documentary from Rockbridge Academy on the author of America's "Star Spangled Banner". Produced by ADG Creative. Francis Scott KEY American lawyer, author, and amateur poet, from Georgetown, who wrote the lyrics to the United States' national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner" Born: on August 01, 1779 in Carroll County, Maryland, USA Died: on January 11, 1843 in Baltimore, Maryland, USA Francis Scott Key was born to Ann Phoebe Penn Dagworthy (Charlton) and Captain John Ross Key at the family plantation Terra Rubra in what was Frederick County and is now Carroll County, Maryland. His father John Ross Key was...

While the number of stars in the United States flag has changed 27 times through history, from the placing of 13 stars in the original "Betsy Ross" flag to today's 50-star variant (in place for almost 54 years, the longest of all American flags), the number of stripes has only changed twice. The number was increased from 13 to 15 stripes in 1795 (along with 15 stars) upon the admission of Vermont and Kentucky to the Union. Following the admission of five more states, the number of stripes was reduced back to 13 in 1820 to honor the original 13...

On this day, March 3, 1931, the Star-Spangled Banner was officially adopted as the national anthem of the United States, more than 100 years after it was first written by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812. Today, we raise the 15-star flag used in the Battle of Fort McHenry which was the inspiration for Key's poem and eventual anthem. We also honor Florida, which became the 27th state in the Union in 1845, after being purchased from Spain in 1819.

The story of how our national anthem came to be. This is a story every American should hear. It's a little lengthy, but I'm sure it'll be worth your time

On this date in 1794, President George Washington signed a measure making the first changes to the American flag, by ordering the stars and stripes to be increased by two each, to symbolize the admissions of Vermont and Kentucky to the Union. The 15-star, 15-stripe flag would remain the standard for the United States for 23 years, until the admission of five more states would bring the next changes to the flag, reverting the number of stripes to a permanent 13 but increasing the stars for each state admitted thereafter.

A link sent to me by a family member. A unique rendition of the national anthem and worth the listen, IMO.

On December 24, 1814, the Treaty Of Ghent was signed in the Netherlands by delegates from the United States and Great Britain, beginning the process of ending the War of 1812. While signalling the end of the war, the treaty still had to be ratified by Congress and Parliament (which would come in February 1815), and several battles fought before peace was established, including the Battle of New Orleans, which would take place on January 8, 1815.

Professor Kevin Blackistone at U Maryland is an ESPN panelist who thinks the Star-Spangled Banner is a "war anthem" and other insults. Video of this jerk follows: Blackistone vid

The band is hoping to get one million people to view its rock version of the “Star Spangled Banner” by November 6th (election day). Also, group members are encouraging fans to download the music file and to add it to their music collections and mp3 players.

Let's show Press and Tosh - and everyone else - that we still believe in this country and our National Anthem. Take the Challenge: Help Madison Rising reach 1 million views & downloads by Election Day (November 6th).

Just sing the song. This is an open letter to anybody who has the honor of publicly performing the Star Spangled Banner. Just sing the song. Don’t disrespect it, or your country, by turning a moment to honor the United States into an opportunity for you to show off. Because when you sing this song, it’s not about you, it’s about the song. Don’t ever forget that. And don’t go along with the current trend of turning the National Anthem into a glitzy star vehicle for so-called artists trying to get publicity and sell records. Because it’s become embarrassing. You...

Oh, 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 thru 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. Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave? On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep, Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,...

NATIONAL ANTHEM -- STAR SPANGLED BANNER by Francis Scott Key Oh, 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 thru 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. Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave. On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the...

Christina Aguilera opened Super Bowl XLV in Arlington, TX by singing our National Anthem, the Star-Spangled Banner, in what may go down in history as the most embarassingly horrible rendition ever performed in public since Rosanne Barr's supposedly comedic version in 1990. Christina not only took the liberty of diva-ing up every single line within the song ... she completely forgot "O'er the ramparts we watched" and tangled up the subsequent lyrics as she proceeded to strangle every ounce of heart and soul out of the remainder of our precious anthem. Instead of the lyrics reflecting the emotional upheaval felt...

As we head into Super Bowl XLV, where Christina Aguilera is slated to sing "The Star-Spangled Banner," let's pause to remember some of the previous celebrities who've tested their lungs with the anthem...

If you don't "LIKE" this video you have no clue what it means to be an American.. Even if you are NOT an American Citizen you should "LIKE" this video because it captures the HEART of what it means to be an American or an ALLY of the United States of America ! May God continue to bless the United States of America ! This is the story our kids need to hear in every classroom in America but sadly the bogus "Separation of Church and State" will not allow it.... .... yet another reason to homeschool

The Star Spangled Banner’s Fourth Verse Most people only know of the first verse to the National Anthem. Indeed, many probably never even knew there was more than that. Here is the National Anthem in its entirety: Oh, 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 thru 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. Oh, say does...

The always excellent Herman Cain spoke at a Douglas County, Georgia Tea Party and called on "Lewis" who pointed out that we should know and sing the second verse [actually the fourth verse, I think] of the Star Spangle Banner. Then he sang it beautifully, a cappella. In the video below, watch the crowd.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAYPN-1Yjt0&feature=fvw 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 rockets' 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? O! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand Between their loved home and the war's desolation! Blest with...

June 14th is Flag Day in the US. When Francis Scott Key wrote The Star Spangled Banner he posed a question. Most of us never think much about that question but events at the dawn of the 21st century beg that we revisit it. What is your answer? Video link