In memory of those who have lost their lives fighting for freedom.
The Star-Spangled Banner
Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hail'd at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro' the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watch'd, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
On the shore dimly seen thro' the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream:
'T is the star-spangled banner: O, long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has wash'd out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
O, thus be it ever when freemen shall stand,
Between their lov'd homes and the war's desolation;
Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n-rescued land
Praise the Pow'r that hath made and preserv'd us as a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust"
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
Note to self: checkup/By
3 comments:
Beautiful and moving tribute. I wanted to post a photo of the memorial at Normandy; then I remembered I'd already posted that! So I was at a loss. Am so glad you posted this! A poignant reminder of how lucky we are.
I believe that is a photo of the original flag that hung at Fort McKinley in Baltimore and which now resides at the History and Technology building of the Smithsonians in Washington, DC. I believe we've both seen it many many times when mom and dad would take us all there. It is quite a sight to see as I believe it is nearly 100 ft. tall.
The History of Technology building has since been renamed, but I do not recall its new name unless it is the American History building. It certainly does bring back some long forgotten memories.
Today's Memorial Day has a special meaning for me for it not only signifies the memory of those brave soldiers that have fallen in the past but the battle weary men that are dying every day in Iraq.
It's not the time to go into politics on this day of reverence, so I will close with this thought: for all of those who have lost a loved one in this war or any other, this day is especially for you. May it offer you some solace.
Oh yes, seen many many times before its recent restoration (thanks to lots of money donated by Ralph Lauren!). I did a link which is a great overview of the whole thing. I wish I had paid more attention to history in school. Fascinating stuff (now that I'm old). Take a look.
http://americanhistory.si.edu/ssb/
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