STAR SPANGLED BANNER

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 November 1939, Page 6

STAR SPANGLED BANNER

AMERICA’S NATIONAL ANTHEM. INSPIRING EPISODE RECALLED. The United States of America, with its "isolation" policy is one of the most discussed countries in the world. There arc many inspiring episodes in the history of the United States and V lO way they gained their national anthem is such a one. "The Star-spangled Banner" America's anthem, was composed and written by Francis Key during the War of Independence in 1812. Key set out from Baltimore in an attempt to secure the release of a friend I who had been captured by ihe British. His flag of truce took him to the Eril-j ish forces, but lie was not allowed to return to his side until after an attack had been made on Fort M'Hcnry. Fearing that he would warn the Americans of the coming attack, the British detained him on the flagship of Admiral Cockburn. From there Key saw the attack launched against his fellow countrymen. The British boasted that their onslaught, would meet will) quick success and that he would soon see the American (lag hauled down. Key watched with that intense anxiety which is only known to those who are forced to take an inactive part in something which concerns them closely. His gaze was fixed on the flag. Every moment ho expected to see it flutter to the ground, a sign that ttie British attack had succeeded. But when darkness fell, it stilt flew defiantly. Through the night the British attack- was pressed harder. Key could hear the sounds of strife, but now he could no longer see the flag. He passed a night of misery, wondering what had become of that symbol of American freedom. At. last the dawn came, and to Key's great relief the (lag still waved proudly , in the breeze. The sight inspired him lo write the song which was to become! 1 liis country's National Anthem. 1