Ideas and Society

There are several flags that seem to be continually in the news. One of them personifies evil and terror in the name of religious fervor, while yet another brings to mind a tragic time in this nation’s history of inconceivable divisiveness and suffering. Then there’s the one being cheered and hoisted in the name of unity and homogeneity, representing gender choice and societal change.

But there’s another flag that I want to bring to your attention; one that I want to recognize, honor and salute. This flag, because of what it represents, makes it possible for these others to even be on the news!

The flag I’m talking about is the one that proudly waves “o’er the land of the free and the home of the brave” … America’s own Star Spangled Banner.

This cherished and revered flag, which represents freedom, hope and opportunity for all who call America their home, has seen many uncertain and trying times in years gone by. But through the sacrifice of many and the hand of Divine Providence, this magnificent and sacred emblem has managed to survive. But not only has it survived, it many times has inspired!

 The Story Unfolds

Late August to early September of 1814 was a time in U.S. History that would long be remembered. The British had attacked Washington, D.C., burning the Capitol, the Treasury and the President’s house. It was the ongoing battle with the British known as the War of 1812.

Historical records show that sometime during the first week of September, a young American lawyer by the name of Francis Scott key, along with John Stuart Skinner, set sail on the ship HMS Minden, flying a flag of truce, destined for a British flagship. They were on a mission, approved by President James Madison, to negotiate the release of an elderly and popular town physician, Dr. William Beanes, being held prisoner by the British.

It was on September 7, Key and Stuart boarded the HMS Tonnant, flagship of the British fleet, in hope of persuading the British General Robert Ross and Vice Admiral Alexander Cochrane to release the good Doctor.

At first they were denied the release of Dr. Beanes, but after showing General Ross and Admiral Cochrane written letters from wounded British prisoners, praising the care and kind treatment they had received from him, and other medical personnel, they agreed to his release.

However Key and Stuart, while aboard the British ship, had gained knowledge of an upcoming attack on Baltimore; thus orders were given that they were to be held captive until after the battle took place and then set free with Dr. Beanes.

A Disheartening Sight

September 13, 1814, was a cold rainy day but it didn’t stop the British warships from the relentless pounding and bombardment (25 hours) of shells and rockets onto Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor. This attack, known as the Battle of Baltimore, was recorded in Key’s own writings. “It seemed as though mother earth had opened up and was vomiting shot and shell in a sheet of fire and brimstone.”

He also wrote that when darkness fell, he only saw red erupting in the night sky. Considering the scale of the attack, he was certain that the British had won and Baltimore had fallen.

 By the Dawn’s Early Light

But on September 14, “in the dawn’s early light,” as the cannon and rocket smoke dissipated, Key and Stuart could see that it was the American flag––not the British Union Jack–– flying triumphantly over Fort McHenry, announcing an American victory.

Mr. Key was so filled with emotion and inspiration, that he penned his thoughts immediately while being held captive on the British ship. He titled his poem “Defense of Fort McHenry.”

Later, Key’s brother-in-law, the commander of a militia at Fort McHenry, took the words Key had written and set them to a popular English tune, which was distributed under the title “Defense of Fort McHenry.”

Soon after, on September 20, it was printed in the Baltimore Patriot, and The American, and from there it spread like wild fire throughout the country. It was Thomas Carr of the Carr Music Store in Baltimore that later published the words and music together calling it “The Star Spangled Banner,” immortalizing Francis Scott Key’s words and naming the flag that had so greatly inspired him.

The Battle Within

But the battle to overcome the enemy and keep The Star Spangled Banner flying high and visible, was not only a concern in the past but remains an ongoing concern today!

There are some in this country that find our current flag offensive and would like to see it disappear from America’s landscape altogether.

Recently I was listening to a very troubling discussion between a group of people of quite diverse in their beliefs and occupations. Despite their diversity, they ended up coming to a consensus that it would be much less threatening to other Nations––who resent America––if America got a new flag; one that wasn’t associated with a history of war but that represented the many cultures and special interests groups that now make up this country.

What came to mind was “sometimes the battle one must fight is not always outside the gates, but within.” Such seems to be the case with a lot of what’s taking place in this country these days!

 More Than a Flag

However, The Star Spangled Banner is much more than just a mere flag. It is a symbol of this great nation, and all that it stands for. It evokes powerful emotions, memories and ideas about what it really means to be an American.

Many thousands sacrificed their lives, and others struggle daily to live with debilitating injuries, because they fought to defend the great principles it represents.

To these brave Americans––both living and dead––and to future generations of Americans, we who cherish this nation owe you a firm commitment to do all we can to make sure that “at the dawns early light” of each new day, our flag is still there.

Author’s End Notes –

“The Star Spangled Banner” was recognized for official use by the United States Navy in 1889, and was officially approved for all military use by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916.

It was made the United States National Anthem by a congressional resolution on March 3, 1931, which was signed by President Herbert Hoover.