On September 14, 1814, Francis Scott Key penned the Star-Spangled Banner. In 1931, President Herbert Hoover signed into law 36 USC § 301, the portion of the United States Code that designates the poem, set to the British tune “To Anacreon in Heaven,” as our national anthem. The Star-Spangled Banner is inarguably one of the most difficult national anthems to sing.
Thank you Erick. This history should be taught to every student, and it should be included on the citizenship exam, so all wanting to be Americans can learn what the country stands for. I grew up in Baltimore, visited Ft McHenry often on school trips, and even sometime just with my wife and I. I knew some of the story, having been taught the outline in both grade school and high school but this is the first time I have heard and/or read the rest of the story of the anthem. I'm 68 years old, and I learned something new today. I am grateful. Charles
Well, well now. The National Anthem is now racist. Who knew? What's next - salt and pepper shakers? Well why not? These implements of dining exhibit white privilege if I ever saw it: More of the white stuff is used and holes on the white stuff shaker are generally larger and often greater in number. The white stuff is more free flowing than the black stuff. Often one has to "strangle" the black stuff container and twist it to get anything useful from it. It is a mystery to me why the WOKE Left has not attempted to ban these two items or at least shame people into not using them! Their ubiquity is a constant reminder of the white privilege that is ruining this country today . WAKE up WOKE and do your job!
Thank you, Erick! A liberal friend I used to tussle with on facebook had told me of this line, and I had foolishly thought she had a sad point. Very glad to know the entire anthem is honorable and good!
Hmmm, if only we had a quick-reference tool that fit in our pockets so that we could easily get answers to controversial topics like this! That's sarcasm for those of you who don't recognize it. There's no excuse for ignorance these days. Everyone has a smart phone...use it for something other than posting your duck-lipped pouty face to Instagram. Wikipedia highlights everything Erick touches on and more regarding this topic. Great piece, Erick. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Star-Spangled_Banner
The assumption is that "reference" matters to those clinging to presuppositions and opinions.
Those of us that weigh both sides of discussions are increasingly rare. I was fortunate enough to grow up just as schools were becoming social experiments (like "open space" and such) so my "public education" was still relatively historically accurate. Granted, we had "white-washed" certain aspects that later came to light, but for the most part, I was taught to think critically, examine both sides of arguments, add historical context to history itself. That appears to have been left behind over the past 50 or so years since I was in Jr. High.
Sadly, we are witnessing the gradual removal of critical thinking from our young people. These are bringing change to our country that may never be overcome in the next decades.
Pray for a revival of God's people, that we resume the role of salt and light in a dying world, and to keep our eyes on Jesus though all around us fall apart.
Revisionist history is "1984" coming to fruition. Big Brother's slogan was, "Whoever controls the past controls the future. And whoever controls the present controls the past."
Y'know, the key thing to understand is the "education system" is likely doing exactly what teachers are being programmed to do in colleges and universities. Many in that industry, particularly in administration, would claim they are succeeding on most fronts. It is what they believe the purpose and execution of education is for - and they have it wrong. We are seeing young teachers totally ignorant of the very subjects they are to teach, having absorbed nonsense like "feelings" are a critical part of education, when in fact emotions need to be subject to rationality. Educators today view their role as "feel good" progenitors. We bought the lie that "self-esteem is the key to good education" during the 80's and 90's, only to discover that everyone getting a blue ribbon for showing up has crippled today's young adults in their 20's and 30's - they never understood that competition, winning AND losing, are all part of life.
The education system has failed us, but in great part because we failed to be nosy enough when we felt things going off the rails. Now we have to be belligerent to get School Boards' attention.
It may be possible to recover, but it will require a revolution in the education system to abandon the fools errand they currently espouse and begin training minds to think once again.
It will be a long battle. This change has been coming for many years and has lots of momentum. It seems like an inter generational effort. Not a quick fix. A long time for our citizens to pay attention. Dan
Well done, Erick....I had never heard the history of our anthem. The willful ignorance of these anarchists is frightening. Bet they'll sit on their fat asses and eat burgers and hotdogs, while swilling beer all day on the 4th.... hating America while the rest of us tear up at the beauty of the day!!! Happy Fourth!!!!
The wokes are getting crazier by the day. Nothing is safe from their insanity.
Thank you Erick. This history should be taught to every student, and it should be included on the citizenship exam, so all wanting to be Americans can learn what the country stands for. I grew up in Baltimore, visited Ft McHenry often on school trips, and even sometime just with my wife and I. I knew some of the story, having been taught the outline in both grade school and high school but this is the first time I have heard and/or read the rest of the story of the anthem. I'm 68 years old, and I learned something new today. I am grateful. Charles
Fyi, the first World Series was in 1903. 1918 was the last time my Kansas City Royals won a game.
Well, well now. The National Anthem is now racist. Who knew? What's next - salt and pepper shakers? Well why not? These implements of dining exhibit white privilege if I ever saw it: More of the white stuff is used and holes on the white stuff shaker are generally larger and often greater in number. The white stuff is more free flowing than the black stuff. Often one has to "strangle" the black stuff container and twist it to get anything useful from it. It is a mystery to me why the WOKE Left has not attempted to ban these two items or at least shame people into not using them! Their ubiquity is a constant reminder of the white privilege that is ruining this country today . WAKE up WOKE and do your job!
Thank you, Erick! A liberal friend I used to tussle with on facebook had told me of this line, and I had foolishly thought she had a sad point. Very glad to know the entire anthem is honorable and good!
Hmmm, if only we had a quick-reference tool that fit in our pockets so that we could easily get answers to controversial topics like this! That's sarcasm for those of you who don't recognize it. There's no excuse for ignorance these days. Everyone has a smart phone...use it for something other than posting your duck-lipped pouty face to Instagram. Wikipedia highlights everything Erick touches on and more regarding this topic. Great piece, Erick. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Star-Spangled_Banner
The assumption is that "reference" matters to those clinging to presuppositions and opinions.
Those of us that weigh both sides of discussions are increasingly rare. I was fortunate enough to grow up just as schools were becoming social experiments (like "open space" and such) so my "public education" was still relatively historically accurate. Granted, we had "white-washed" certain aspects that later came to light, but for the most part, I was taught to think critically, examine both sides of arguments, add historical context to history itself. That appears to have been left behind over the past 50 or so years since I was in Jr. High.
Sadly, we are witnessing the gradual removal of critical thinking from our young people. These are bringing change to our country that may never be overcome in the next decades.
Pray for a revival of God's people, that we resume the role of salt and light in a dying world, and to keep our eyes on Jesus though all around us fall apart.
Revisionist history is "1984" coming to fruition. Big Brother's slogan was, "Whoever controls the past controls the future. And whoever controls the present controls the past."
Excellent article!! Thanks for sharing. Ignorance isn't bliss!
No, "Ignorance is Strength" ;-)
Thank you for that history lesson! First I’ve heard of that.
Ignorance is legion in the USA. Our education system has not served us well. Not knowing the truth leaves you open to any lie. Dan
It’s a shame that the education system just isn’t doing it’s job. Perfect example of why parents need to stick their nose in and get involved.
Y'know, the key thing to understand is the "education system" is likely doing exactly what teachers are being programmed to do in colleges and universities. Many in that industry, particularly in administration, would claim they are succeeding on most fronts. It is what they believe the purpose and execution of education is for - and they have it wrong. We are seeing young teachers totally ignorant of the very subjects they are to teach, having absorbed nonsense like "feelings" are a critical part of education, when in fact emotions need to be subject to rationality. Educators today view their role as "feel good" progenitors. We bought the lie that "self-esteem is the key to good education" during the 80's and 90's, only to discover that everyone getting a blue ribbon for showing up has crippled today's young adults in their 20's and 30's - they never understood that competition, winning AND losing, are all part of life.
The education system has failed us, but in great part because we failed to be nosy enough when we felt things going off the rails. Now we have to be belligerent to get School Boards' attention.
It may be possible to recover, but it will require a revolution in the education system to abandon the fools errand they currently espouse and begin training minds to think once again.
It will be a long battle. This change has been coming for many years and has lots of momentum. It seems like an inter generational effort. Not a quick fix. A long time for our citizens to pay attention. Dan
Totally agree. So let the revolution begin!!!
More proof that history is the first casualty of our pathetic excuse for an educational system. Here are some words of wisdom explaining my position:
“Life must be lived forwards, but it can only be understood backwards.” - Soren Kirkegaard
Well done, Erick....I had never heard the history of our anthem. The willful ignorance of these anarchists is frightening. Bet they'll sit on their fat asses and eat burgers and hotdogs, while swilling beer all day on the 4th.... hating America while the rest of us tear up at the beauty of the day!!! Happy Fourth!!!!
"Star Spanled Ignorance" perfectly describes the current Deomcrat Party.
Happy Independence Day folks.
Thank you for these valuable words!
Well done!!!