The History of our National Anthem.

Trivia from what F.S. Key saw that night:

"...the rockets red glare; the bombs, bursting in air..."

The British were having trouble keeping their bomb fuses consistent in terms of burn rate. In this case the bombs were detonating early--before hitting the target--the walls/and or the buildings inside Ft. McHenry.

The military still has this kind of problems--a little more high tech, but still a quality control problem. The fuse cutter may have had too much rum. We sure have some high tech pyrotechnics on the July 4. Someone is doing better fuses for sure.

Yes, the flag is still flying--in spite of the air bursts.

Selah,

Bro. James

 

...and the history of our national anthem is here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A798195

 

David, I knew about ours(USA), thanks for the post on yours. It proves that even old folks can still learn a little if we will read.

 

Did you notice David that we Yanks "borrowed" the tune for:

My country 'tis of thee,
Sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing.
Land of the pilgrim's pride,
Land where our fathers died,
From ev'ry mountainside
Let freedom ring.

Been on this side of the pond for almost 15 years and when England sing at a rugby match my first thoughts are "My country, 'tis of thee..."

 

Thought I might throw in my adopted country's national anthem since we are on that theme

Amhrán na bhFiann

 

There was some talk a few years ago about changing our national anthem to 'God Bless America'. Nobody but a trained singer can really sing 'Star Spangled Banner'. Of course, any anthem that mentioned God would stir up the usual suspects: The same people who want to remove "In God We Trust" from our currency.

 

I would be fine with "God Bless America". I've always enjoyed that song.

Actually, I would be fine with "America the Beautiful" as well.

They both would be great if we ever change, but I am partial to the reference to God in "God Bless America".

 

I agree with changing it...though the lyrics to our national anthem are powerful, it leaves much to be desired as a singable tune. The range is simply too great for the average singer.

I'd be fine with either "God Bless America" or "America the Beautiful."

 

It's not that hard to sing and the lyrics are powerful and fitting.

I believe it's here to stay.

 

Well I can't sing it. But you are probably right that it's here to stay.

On the other hand, we have the Black National Anthem in competition
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