 Capt. Gabe Thomas & Miss Pemberton's 1st graders Blythe-Bower music teacher Gloria Scott-Richmond organized the event and extended invitations to many Cleveland/Bradley parents, guests and dignitaries to attend and participate. “National Anthem Day is a time to remember an important historical event,” she said, “as well as a time when music teachers like myself can remind people of the important role music education plays in teaching American historical and musical traditions. God bless America.” “This was a lot of fun,” Capt. Thomas said, “coming out here to Blythe-Bower and being with the kids. This is really a beautiful school and I’m proud I was able to be part of this important celebration. I especially appreciate Miss Pemberton and all her first graders for letting me share this day with them. They were great.” “The Star Spangled Banner” was written by Francis Scott Key on September 14, 1814. It was officially named our national anthem by the U.S. Congress on March 3, 1931.
There is a misconception that the national anthem was written during the Revolutionary War (1775-1783). That is incorrect. It was actually written during the War of 1812 (1812- 1814), as Francis Scott Key stood watching from the deck of a ship anchored in Baltimore Harbor while the British Navy bombarded Fort McHenry on September 13, 1814. The day after the attack (September 14), Key was so inspired to see the American flag still flying over Fort McHenry, that he penned the words that would eventually become our nation’s anthem and set them to the tune of “The Anacreontic Song" ("To Anacreon in Heaven”). Technically, National Anthem Day is March 3, the day Congress designated it our anthem. But that doesn’t stop folks from celebrating it on September 14, the day it was written. In fact, at the Blythe-Bowers celebration, Cleveland City Mayor Tom Rowland read a proclamation declaring Friday, September 14, 2007, as “National Anthem Project Day.” That settles it as far as we’re concerned. |
