The Star-Spangled Banner

Discussion in 'General Lounge' started by FeliceRodo, Sep 14, 2001.

  1. FeliceRodo

    FeliceRodo Well-Known Member

    The third and fourth stanzas of Francis Scott Key's original poem, The Star-Spangled Banner, are interesting, appropiate, and inspiring. These wordsare worth keeping in mind and bringing to the attention of our fellow citizens as we prepare for war. They capture, more fully than just the first stanza, the attitude of pride and defiance that is fitting for people who are determined to defend their freedom.

    Note that this poem was inspired by the attack on Fort Henry which took place on September 13-14, 1814. One hundred and eighty seven years ago
    today.


    The Star-Spangled Banner, by Francis Scott Key


    Oh, 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, through the perilous fight,
    O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
    And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
    Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
    O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
    O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?


    On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
    Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
    What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
    As it fitfully blows, now conceals, now discloses?
    Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
    In full glory reflected now shines on the stream:
    'Tis the star-spangled banner! O long may it wave
    O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.


    And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
    That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion
    A home and a country should leave us no more?
    Their blood has wiped out their foul footstep's pollution.
    No refuge could save the hireling and slave
    From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
    And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
    O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.


    Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
    Between their loved homes and the war's desolation!
    Blest with victory and peace, may the heaven-rescued land
    Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
    Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
    And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
    And the star-spangled banner forever shall wave
    O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
     

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