200 years ago, on September 14th, 1814, Francis Scott Key witnessed the American Flag still flying high over Fort McHenery after the night held a battle against the British.
As the night when on, there was a “perilous fight” with “bombs bursting in air” but….”by the dawns early light” the “broad stripes and bright stars” were still “gallantly streaming”.
IMAGE CREDIT: NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN HISTORY
Francis Scott Key’s account of the events was written in his poem and set to the tune of a popular song at the time. As the song gained popularity is was eventually adopted as our National Anthem in 1931 with President Hoover signing it into law.
If you didn’t know the story before, these lyrics sure make a lot more sense now, don’t they?!
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?
The flag that flew over Fort McHenry is now housed at the Smithsonian Museum of American History in Washington, DC and it is truly a sight to see!
As it is the 200 year anniversary I thought it appropriate to celebrate our Star Spangled Banner with some fun American Flag crafts and activities.
See how to make this Easy Handprint Flag from House of Burke.
Celebrate at dinner time with this recipe for a Flag Pizza from Sippy Cup Mom.
For dessert, this American Flag Cake is perfect! Just make a plain white cake and top with cool whip, strawberries, and blueberries.
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