July 2020 has certainly been an unforgettable month. Due to corona virus-19 July 4th parades, firework displays, large gathering for picnics, symphony concerts, and more events were canceled. Beaches were closed . Even the famous Coney Island Hot Dog Festival was reduced to 5 people eating in 2 groups, one for men and the other for women. However, there were virtual patriotic shows. One from Washington, D.C. and of course the Macy’s Fireworks Show from New York City. We are still Americans and are very grateful and proud to live in this strong, beautiful country.
My friend Clayton Brewer has written a poem entitled
The Birth Of A Nation
IN GOD WE TRUST, our founding fathers sang,
As the cries for freedom from Americans rang;
Battles were raging from SEA TO SHINING SEA,
Their outcome still affects you and me.
Their faith was strong, their supplies were demented,
Each victory the love of their country cemented;
Untold numbers made the ultimate sacrifice,
They paid for freedom with the loss of their lives.
After more than two hundred years our flag still flies,
THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER still brings tears to one’s eyes;
FAITH OF OUR FATHERS is still strong,
The love of our country will always belong.
Our nation was born on faith and by faith we must live,
So that for others we will be able to give;
May it linger in every heart,
THANK YOU GOD, FOR LETTING US BE A PART.
In September 1814, Francis Scott Key witnessed the Battle at Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor. All night the British bombarded the American fort. However, at the dawn’s early light the American flag was still flying indicating that the British were defeated. Key was inspired to write the poem the “Defense of Fort McHenry” It was quickly published in the Baltimore Patriot newspaper. Soon the title changed to The Star Spangled Banner. The song became the official national anthem in 1931. The original flag that flew over Fort McHenry is on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.
Although there are 4 verses to this song, only verse one is generally sung.
THE STAR SPANGLES BANNER
O say, can you see, by the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro’ the perilous fight,
O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs busting in air,
Gave proof thro’ the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star spangles banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
Praise God that America is still strong and free.
Submitted by:
Pam Jackson
Knoxville, TN
It was published in the