~Birth of our National Anthem~

No anthem ever written has a more historic, 

Inspiring, and patriotic setting 

Than the Star-Spangled Banner 

Which was composed in 1814 

When the United States and England were at war

After the British redcoats had burned Washington 

The enemy moved on Baltimore 

Where the soldiers were to attack by land while a

Powerful British fleet formed for action off Fort McHenry 

At the water gates of the city 

All during the night of September 13-14

The entire fleet concentrated it's fire on the fort

From whose flagpole flew

The Star-Spangled Banner 

Francis Scott Key, from the District of Columbia 

Was held as a captive on one of the British warships 

As the battle raged throughout the night in silence 

And darkness he paced the deck of the ship

Wondering whether the flag he had seen 

When the fight began was still 

Flying over the Fort

It was for him a harrowing night 

At last came the break of day

With strained, eager eyes, through the 

Early morning mist, he saw that the flag was still there 

In patriotic exultation, Francis Scott Key

Writing on an envelope he had found in his pocket 

Poured out of his soul the inspiring words of the 

Star-Spangled Banner which later were set to music 

Thus the song went forth to sing itself into

The hearts of the living generation and of generations to come.

~Broken187Soul~

Copyright 08-21-14

~A Song for Flag Day~

Your flag and my flag 

And how it flies today 

In your land and my land

And half a world away 

Rose-red and blood-red

The stripes for ever gleam 

Snow-white and soul-white

The good fore fathers dream 

Sky-blue and true blue

With stars to gleam aright 

The gloried guidon of the day 

A shelter through the night 

Your flag and my flag! 

And, oh, how much it holds 

Your land and my land

Secure within its folds!

Your heart and my heart 

Beat quicker at the sight

Sun-kissed and wind-tossed

Red and blue and white 

        ~Wilbur D. Nesbit