Sunday, June 14, 2009

Flag Day (US) - with broad stripes and bright stars

From the Smitsonian National Museum of American History: "On September 14, 1814, U.S. soldiers at Baltimore’s Fort McHenry raised a huge American flag to celebrate a crucial victory over British forces during the War of 1812. The sight of those 'broad stripes and bright stars' inspired Francis Scott Key to write a song that eventually became the United States national anthem. Key’s words gave new significance to a national symbol and started a tradition through which generations of Americans have invested the flag with their own meanings and memories."


From the Smithsonian National Museum of American History: "The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History will commemorate the U.S. flag's 232nd birthday with its annual 'Flag Day Family Celebration.' With its 'broad stripes and bright stars,' the American flag is the symbol of our nation. The free festival, Sunday, June 14, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., will feature music, theatrical performances and other activities."

Star-Spangled Banner by Jordan Shelton, the winner of the museum's online National Anthem Singing Competition (via YouTube):