Tuesday, September 2, 2014

"O say can you see" at 200

The Washington Post tells the story of Francis Scott Key's famous composition.
Through the morning mist, the Americans finally could make out a flag, towering over the grassy knoll of the ramparts. But the banner hung limply from the flagpole, and it was impossible to tell if it was American or British.
A slight breeze blew fitfully from the northeast, scattering the mist. The flag stirred with a tantalizing hint, but Key and Skinner remained unsure. Finally a beam of sun illuminated the flag, revealing it to be American.
While some people have struggled with the anthem, Key and his friends knew it well.

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