Happy Flag Day:
Paradoxically, it is precisely the universality of American principles and ideals — and the heterogeneity of the American people — that makes respect for the flag so necessary and desirable. The universal philosophical principles can command the assent of the mind. But they cannot by themselves attach the loyalties of the heart. For that we need symbols and songs, stories and speeches. We need holidays and rituals, shared times for remembering and appreciating. We need ordered respite from commerce and amusement — and politicking — for expressions of communal gratitude: for the privilege of living in a republic that enables us to live and work, love and play, freely and with dignity; for the blessing of living under “a grand old flag . . . the emblem of the land I love, the home of the free and the brave.”
According to the piece, "The Star-Spangled Banner" is as exceptional as our nation -- the anthem of no other nation is about the national flag.
Comments
Our national anthem is about the battle at Fort McHenry, fought during the rather pointless War of 1812, which we did not win.
It is Key's poem "Defence of Fort McHenry" combined with the tune to a humorous British drinking song. The song was, and is, difficult to sing because of the high notes. If you've had enough to drink, I guess it's funny.
At any rate, the poem wasn't about the flag, it was about the fact that the Americans had not surrendered (by lowering the flag).
It did not become our national anthem until 1931.
Terrible song, in my opinion. I'd prefer the much less martial "American the Beautiful."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Star-Spangled_Banner
Oops. Pardon my typo. "American the Beautiful" obviously is about my wife.
Congrats, Leo.
Nobody else in the entire world seems to have noticed that today is June 14.