Sister Sheri Peterson
Ward Music Director
OUR NATIONAL ANTHEM
The pen of the poet transformed one suspenseful night into words that symbolize for all Americans not only the sacrifices that have been made for freedom but also the vigilance with which this blessing must be guarded.
During America's war with England in 1812, Francis Scott Key, poet and zealous patriot, had gone to a British flagship in Baltimore harbor under a flag of truce. His mission was to procure the release of this friend, Dr. William Beanes, who had been captured by the British. He expected to be able to return to shore without much delay, but because the British fleet was preparing to bombard Fort McHenry, he and Dr. Beanes were detained. They had to remain on board for the night and witness the attack against their own flag.
In the darkness of night, the two men had no way of knowing whether the enemy attack had been successful. but at the first light of dawn, they could see the American flag still waving from Fort McHenry. Their relief and gratitude were overwhelming, and Francis Scott Key immediately began to write "The Star-Spangled Banner."
In his mind as he wrote these words was the tune of "Anacreon in Heaven", and English drinking song; he had previously written other words to this melody. The tune had been composed by English musician John Stafford Smith to be sung by members of a London club called the Anacreontic Society (Anacreontic means "Joyful" or ""Convivial", like the verse of Anacreon, poet of ancient Greece.)
How different the connotations of a melody, depending on the words and experiences with which it is linked! What began as a drinking song has become a stirring and dignified patriotic anthem.
Today is Flag Day. We can all take a moment to express gratitude that our flag was still standing after that night of bombardment by the British and to remember and be grateful for the God-given freedoms we enjoy and the ideals of justice, equality and liberty that our flag represents, ideals that are held dear in America.
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