Today is Independence Day or more commonly referred to as the 4th of July. Today, we Americans celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence from England on July 4, 1776.
On this day of patriotism, we show our pride in our country, wearing red, white and blue, waving our U.S. flag, and singing our national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
I cannot for the life of me carry a tune in a bucket and “The Star-Spangled Banner” is impossible for me to sing without making myself and those around me cringe. Because the song varies by an octave and a half, many struggle to sing it, and I have even heard talk of changing our national anthem to a song that’s easier to sing.
But “The Star-Spangled Banner” isn’t just a song to sing at the beginning of a big game. “The Star-Spangled Banner” represents our struggle for freedom.
Our national anthem was written by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812 against the British. He wrote the poem “The Defence of Fort McHenry” after the victory defending Baltimore from British invasion.
Just 30 years before, Americans had struggled and fought Britain for independence, and were now fighting Britain again! America’s freedom and independence were at stake!
Americans were euphoric over winning a “second war of independence from England.” Patriotism and pride were at an all-time high.
The poem became immediately popular and was sung as a patriotic celebration. The song later became titled “The Star-Spangled Banner” and was sung throughout the United States to celebrate our victory over British rule.
Our national anthem is significant in that it represents our struggle for freedom.
As I struggle to hit those high notes of the rockets red glare, I swell with pride and am overcome with emotion for all those that have fought for my freedom.
Tonight as you celebrate Independence Day, remember that the United States won freedom once, but has defended it numerous times.
Foster2Forever
