What is The Star-Spangled Banner talking about?
The basics Like so many famous songs of yore, “The Star-Spangled Banner” started as a poem, called “The Defence of Fort McHenry.” It was written by Francis Scott Key in 1814 during the War of 1812. The stanzas recount the Battle of Baltimore, a days-long siege between British and American forces.
What does ramparts gallantly streaming mean?
ramparts: the embankments that were part of the fort’s defense. gallantly: in a heroic or brave manner. streaming: this describes the flag waving in the wind.
Why is the American flag called The Star-Spangled Banner?
During the Battle of Baltimore, American lawyer and poet Francis Scott Key was captured by British forces. In the years to follow, many Americans began calling the American flag the Star-Spangled Banner because it was Key’s poem. Key’s poem was inspirational to say the least.
What did the 15 stars on the flag represent?
The 15-star flag would last for 23 years and five presidents would serve under it. This flag inspired Francis Scott Key to write “The Star Spangled Banner,” our national anthem, after Key saw the flag continue to fly over Fort McHenry following a British bombardment during the War of 1812.
What should you remove when the national anthem plays?
When the National Anthem is announced, there are several things to keep in mind: stand, remove your cap, face the flag, place your right hand over your heart, and sing along if appropriate. Don’t talk, eat, or distract from the performance of the National Anthem.
Is it necessary to stand for national anthem?
“It is, thus, concluded that though certain conduct of individuals like not standing up while the national anthem is being played or standing quiet in the assembly engaged in the singing of national anthem may amount to showing disrespect to the national anthem but would not, per se, constitute an offence under Section …
Why does The Star-Spangled Banner have 15 stripes?
The Star-Spangled Banner has fifteen stars and fifteen stripes as provided for in the second Flag Act approved by Congress on January 13, 1794. The additional stars and stripes represent Vermont (1791) and Kentucky (1792) joining the Union.
What does flying the flag upside down symbolize?
According to U.S. Flag Code, the flag should never be displayed upside-down “except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.”
Can a veteran in civilian clothes salute the flag?
During the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag or when the flag is passing in a parade or in review, all persons present in uniform should render the military salute. Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute.
Should you stand for other countries national anthems?
“There is no provision of law which obliges anyone to sing the National Anthem nor is it disrespectful to the National Anthem if a person who stands up respectfully when the National Anthem is sung does not join the singing. Proper respect is shown to the National Anthem by standing up when the National Anthem is sung.