All Four Stanzas

[Pepsico]

(Story behind the National Anthem)

By Isaac Asimov

In 1812, the United States went to war with Great Britain, primarily over freedom of the seas. We were in the right. For two years, we held off the British, even though we were still a rather weak country. Great Britain was in a life and death struggle with Napoleon. In fact, just as the United States declared war, Napoleon marched off to invade Russia. If he won, as everyone expected, he would control Europe, and Great Britain would be isolated. It was no time for her to be involved in an American war.

At first, our seamen proved better than the British. After we won a battle on Lake Erie in 1813, the American commander, Oliver Hazard Perry, sent the message "We have met the enemy and they are ours." However, the weight of the British navy beat down our ships eventually. New England, hard-hit by a tightening blockade, threatened secession.

Meanwhile, Napoleon was beaten in Russia and in 1814 was forced to abdicate. Great Britain now turned its attention to the United States, launching a three-pronged attack. The northern prong was to come down Lake Champlain toward New York and seize parts of New England. The southern prong was to go up the Mississippi, take New Orleans and paralyze the west.

The central prong was to head for the mid-Atlantic states and then attack Baltimore, the greatest port south of New York. If Baltimore was taken, the nation, which still hugged the Atlantic coast, could be split in two. The fate of the United States, then, rested to a large extent on the success or failure of the central prong.

The British reached the American coast, and on August 24, 1814, took Washington, D. C. and promptly burned it.Then they moved up the Chesapeake Bay toward Baltimore. On September 12, they arrived and found 1000 men in Fort McHenry, whose guns controlled the harbor. If the British wished to take Baltimore, they would have to take the fort.

On one of the British ships was an aged physician, William Beanes, who had been arrested in Maryland and brought along as a prisoner. Francis Scott Key, a lawyer and friend of the physician, had come to the ship to negotiate his release. The British captain was willing, but the two Americans would have to wait. It was now the night of September 13,and the bombardment of Fort McHenry was about to start.

As twilight deepened, Key and Beanes saw the American flag flying over Fort McHenry. Through the night, they heard bombs bursting and saw the red glare of rockets. They knew the fort was resisting and the American flag was still flying. But toward morning the bombardment ceased, and a dread silence fell. Either Fort McHenry had surrendered and the British flag flew above it, or the bombardment had failed and the American flag still flew.

As dawn began to brighten the eastern sky, Key and Beanes stared out at the fort, trying to see which flag flew over it. He and the physician must have asked each other over and over, "Can you see the flag?"

After it was all finished, Key wrote a four stanza poem telling the events of the night. Called "The Defense of Fort M'Henry," it was published in newspapers and swept the nation. Someone noted that the words fit an old English tune called "To Anacreon in Heaven" --a difficult melody with an uncomfortably large vocal range. For obvious reasons, Key's work became known as "The Star Spangled Banner," and in 1931 Congress declared it the official anthem of the United States.

[Shut Up]

You know whose national anthem had four stanzas too?

HITLER'S, YOU NAZI


(maybe, I didn't check)

[K2]

http://www.tshirthell.com/shirts/products/a192/a192.gif

[Muse]

T shirt hell rocks :D

[mikesova]

(Story behind the National Anthem)

By Isaac Asimov

In 1812, the United States went to war with Great Britain, primarily over freedom of the seas. We were in the right. For two years, we held off the British, even though we were still a rather weak country. Great Britain was in a life and death struggle with Napoleon. In fact, just as the United States declared war, Napoleon marched off to invade Russia. If he won, as everyone expected, he would control Europe, and Great Britain would be isolated. It was no time for her to be involved in an American war.

At first, our seamen proved better than the British. After we won a battle on Lake Erie in 1813, the American commander, Oliver Hazard Perry, sent the message "We have met the enemy and they are ours." However, the weight of the British navy beat down our ships eventually. New England, hard-hit by a tightening blockade, threatened secession.

Meanwhile, Napoleon was beaten in Russia and in 1814 was forced to abdicate. Great Britain now turned its attention to the United States, launching a three-pronged attack. The northern prong was to come down Lake Champlain toward New York and seize parts of New England. The southern prong was to go up the Mississippi, take New Orleans and paralyze the west.

The central prong was to head for the mid-Atlantic states and then attack Baltimore, the greatest port south of New York. If Baltimore was taken, the nation, which still hugged the Atlantic coast, could be split in two. The fate of the United States, then, rested to a large extent on the success or failure of the central prong.

The British reached the American coast, and on August 24, 1814, took Washington, D. C. and promptly burned it.Then they moved up the Chesapeake Bay toward Baltimore. On September 12, they arrived and found 1000 men in Fort McHenry, whose guns controlled the harbor. If the British wished to take Baltimore, they would have to take the fort.

On one of the British ships was an aged physician, William Beanes, who had been arrested in Maryland and brought along as a prisoner. Francis Scott Key, a lawyer and friend of the physician, had come to the ship to negotiate his release. The British captain was willing, but the two Americans would have to wait. It was now the night of September 13,and the bombardment of Fort McHenry was about to start.

As twilight deepened, Key and Beanes saw the American flag flying over Fort McHenry. Through the night, they heard bombs bursting and saw the red glare of rockets. They knew the fort was resisting and the American flag was still flying. But toward morning the bombardment ceased, and a dread silence fell. Either Fort McHenry had surrendered and the British flag flew above it, or the bombardment had failed and the American flag still flew.

As dawn began to brighten the eastern sky, Key and Beanes stared out at the fort, trying to see which flag flew over it. He and the physician must have asked each other over and over, "Can you see the flag?"

After it was all finished, Key wrote a four stanza poem telling the events of the night. Called "The Defense of Fort M'Henry," it was published in newspapers and swept the nation. Someone noted that the words fit an old English tune called "To Anacreon in Heaven" --a difficult melody with an uncomfortably large vocal range. For obvious reasons, Key's work became known as "The Star Spangled Banner," and in 1931 Congress declared it the official anthem of the United States.


All Hail the King of Copy/Paste without saying anything about it himself!

[Blisters]

All Hail the King of Copy/Paste without saying anything about it himself!
:lol:

This post is like one of those magnetic stickers people slap on the back on their car to show how patriotic they are.

[Pepsico]

:lol:

This post is like one of those magnetic stickers people slap on the back on their car to show how patriotic they are.

Sorry for letting people know the story behind the anthem, I wasnt aware more input was needed. Grow up.

[Blisters]

Sorry for letting people know the story behind the anthem, I wasnt aware more input was needed. Grow up.
Yeah, well, it's a typical Republican tactic: wrap yourself in the flag, act like being patriotic is the exclusive province of conservatives.

But slapping a magnetic sticker on the ass end of your car takes no effort, and you can't prove your patriotism by posting a story about the National Anthem.

[Pepsico]

Ik not proving anything, im letting people know the story. Relax chico.

And for the record, At first, I thought the magnets were a good idea (money went to the troops) But I never got one, then it became a fad and I hate them, just like those lance armstrong bands. Buy one now, and you are a tool.

[Blisters]

Ik not proving anything, im letting people know the story. Relax chico.

And for the record, At first, I thought the magnets were a good idea (money went to the troops) But I never got one, then it became a fad and I hate them, just like those lance armstrong bands. Buy one now, and you are a tool.
They were an election year propaganda tool, another way of saying "I love President Chimpy." I noticed that all the support for the troops stickers disappeared within a few weeks of the election last year. You never see them now.

[Pepsico]

They were an election year propaganda tool, another way of saying "I love President Chimpy." I noticed that all the support for the troops stickers disappeared within a few weeks of the election last year. You never see them now.

Because it was a FAD! and congrats to bush for gettin re-elected. good propaganda tool. Smart republicans.

[Mark72484]

All Hail the King of Copy/Paste without saying anything about it himself!

Actually I believe Blisters owns this title.

[Arctic]

They were an election year propaganda tool, another way of saying "I love President Chimpy." I noticed that all the support for the troops stickers disappeared within a few weeks of the election last year. You never see them now.

I see them, but it's hard to make out exactly what they say because they're always yellow and faded.

[Blisters]

Actually I believe Blisters owns this title.
Well, then, this would be yet another thing you believe that isn't true.

Go ahead, I dare you: find a single post by me where I cut and paste without saying anything myself.

[Pepsico]

TO be technical I did add (this is the story of the national anthem) in this post. So I too said at least a few words.

[Muse]

Please. Let's stay on topic. :rolleyes:

I'm sure anyone who didn't know the story behind the national anthem is grateful for your post, Pepsico. I'm sure there are better things to debate and comment rather than who C&Ps the most.

[Pepsico]

grateful for your post, Pepsico. I'm sure there are better things to debate and comment rather than who C&Ps the most.

I agree, that copy and paste topic is only brought up by the unpatriotic Blisters who hates everything America has done.

[Muse]

I agree, that copy and paste topic is only brought up by the unpatriotic Blisters who hates everything America has done.

Maybe you didn't catch the fact that I subtly bringing up the fact that you made a pointless thread. Glad you agree with that. Anyone with a fourth grade education level knows the origins of the national anthem. I think we also need a sticky thread about what the word patriotic means so you can figure out how to use it correctly in a post.

[Blisters]

Maybe you didn't catch the fact that I subtly bringing up the fact that you made a pointless thread. Glad you agree with that. Anyone with a fourth grade education level knows the origins of the national anthem. I think we also need a sticky thread about what the word patriotic means so you can figure out how to use it correctly in a post.
Yeah, exactly, I heard that whole story in the 2nd grade. But you have to recall, some people probably didn't make it out of the 2nd grade, and this thread is good for them.

[Mark72484]

Yeah, exactly, I heard that whole story in the 2nd grade. But you have to recall, some people probably didn't make it out of the 2nd grade, and this thread is good for them.

Or how about those foreign exchange students from another country that didn't know where our Anthem came from because it was never discussed in their country when they were in grade-school? Maybe America interests them and they learned something. You know, Americans aren't the only people who go to this school. I know I would appreciate to know the history of the country I was studying abroad in. You should be more open-minded before you decide to attack someone for no other apparent reason than the fact that you don't like him. He was just telling a story, I don't see what the problem is.

[Blisters]

Or how about those foreign exchange students from another country that didn't know where our Anthem came from because it was never discussed in their country when they were in grade-school? Maybe America interests them and they learned something. You know, Americans aren't the only people who go to this school. I know I would appreciate to know the history of the country I was studying abroad in. You should be more open-minded before you decide to attack someone for no other apparent reason than the fact that you don't like him. He was just telling a story, I don't see what the problem is.
LOL!!! You crack me up to no end.

Let's agree on something: We both know you just thought of that "foreign exchange student" explanation today, sometime after, oh, 3:05 pm. In other words, it's not the reason it was posted.

Second: Foreign Exchange students aren't coming to a discussion board for history lessons.

Third: We all know, the reason this thread was posted is because conservatives like to wrap themselves in the flag and convey the idea that they are somehow the only true patriots.

Fourth: Frankly, despite all the above, I don't care. And I don't care that it was cut and pasted without any comment from Pepsico except "the story of the anthem."

I think Pepsico is free to post whatever he wants, as long as it stays within the forum rules, and I don't think he is obligated necessarily to write a certain amount with every thread.

Just my opinion. But since it's been talked about lately, I thought I would throw it out there.

[Mark72484]

LOL!!! You crack me up to no end.

Let's agree on something: We both know you just thought of that "foreign exchange student" explanation today, sometime after, oh, 3:05 pm. In other words, it's not the reason it was posted.

Second: Foreign Exchange students aren't coming to a discussion board for history lessons.

Third: We all know, the reason this thread was posted is because conservatives like to wrap themselves in the flag and convey the idea that they are somehow the only true patriots.

Fourth: Frankly, despite all the above, I don't care. And I don't care that it was cut and pasted without any comment from Pepsico except "the story of the anthem."

I think Pepsico is free to post whatever he wants, as long as it stays within the forum rules, and I don't think he is obligated necessarily to write a certain amount with every thread.

Just my opinion. But since it's been talked about lately, I thought I would throw it out there.

Well maybe you would go to another university in another country not caring about that country or it's history, but it doesn't mean every foreign exchange student is like you. Me, however, I like history, I like reading about it, watching the history channel, it's interesting to me. I know to someone like you who doesn't appreciate history, it may sound weird, but it just goes to show you how many Americans there are like you who don't care about anything outside of the US borders. And if you really think a foreign exchange student has never been to this site before, than you're slower than I thought.

[Blisters]

Well maybe you would go to another university in another country not caring about that country or it's history, but it doesn't mean every foreign exchange student is like you. Me, however, I like history, I like reading about it, watching the history channel, it's interesting to me. I know to someone like you who doesn't appreciate history, it may sound weird, but it just goes to show you how many Americans there are like you who don't care about anything outside of the US borders. And if you really think a foreign exchange student has never been to this site before, than you're slower than I thought.
See, Mark, you harm your own credibility when you say stuff that isn't supported by facts in evidence. For example, you have no basis for saying I don't appreciate history. I love history.

Also, I did not say that no foreign exchange student has ever been to this board. Read more slowly. It helps with comprehension.

[Arctic]

I'm beginning to think that Mark is slow. Maybe he posted the story of the anthem because he's a long lost relative of Francis Scott Key. Maybe he posted the story of the anthem because he wanted to get more posts in to get points. Maybe he posted the story of the anthem because he didn't know the story himself and thought he'd remember it better if he typed it out. There could be hundreds of different reasons he posted the story, but everyone who isn't dimwitted knows that it's because he feels that posting the story of the anthem somehow makes him more patriotic looking or even just more patriotic.

[Mark72484]

See, Mark, you harm your own credibility when you say stuff that isn't supported by facts in evidence. For example, you have no basis for saying I don't appreciate history. I love history.

Also, I did not say that no foreign exchange student has ever been to this board. Read more slowly. It helps with comprehension.

And he responds with insults. Figures. Keep 'em comin blisters, after all, it's the liberal way.

Maybe he posted the story of the anthem because he's a long lost relative of Francis Scott Key. Maybe he posted the story of the anthem because he wanted to get more posts in to get points. Maybe he posted the story of the anthem because he didn't know the story himself and thought he'd remember it better if he typed it out. There could be hundreds of different reasons he posted the story, but everyone who isn't dimwitted knows that it's because he feels that posting the story of the anthem somehow makes him more patriotic looking or even just more patriotic.

Or maybe he posted the story because it's a good story.

[Arctic]

And he responds with insults. Figures. Keep 'em comin blisters, after all, it's the liberal way.



Or maybe he posted the story because it's a good story.

There's a lot of good stories out there but that doesn't make a good reason to post them. But... since you apparently don't get that, go right ahead. You can give us an entire history class, one thread at a time.

[Muse]

And he responds with insults. Figures. Keep 'em comin blisters, after all, it's the liberal way.



Or maybe he posted the story because it's a good story.

Paranoia is a strange thing. It'll make you see things that aren't there. You insulted Blisters, who corrected you on your assumptions. You then accuse him of the thing that you didand you throw another blanket insult in there for good measure. How ... cute.

Why don't you go out and see how many American citizens - born here - can pass a citizenship test. It's depressing. If you must attach some purpose to this thread, it would serve American citizens more than it would serve foreign exchange students.

[Xan]

Hello, I am a foreign exchange student from Japan. I've just been visiting here for the past couple weeks reading topics and stuff. And I saw this thread kind of applied to me. I was not aware of how your national anthem came to be. I'd just like to say thanks for the info, it was very informational! :) Always good to know a little history. :)

[Arctic]

Hello, I am a foreign exchange student from Japan. I've just been visiting here for the past couple weeks reading topics and stuff. And I saw this thread kind of applied to me. I was not aware of how your national anthem came to be. I'd just like to say thanks for the info, it was very informational! :) Always good to know a little history. :)

*cough* Bullsh*t *cough*

[Pepsico]

Your Welcome Xan.

Anyway, if any republican does anything remotely patriotic, they are immeadetely labeled as trying to show how much better they are than libs.

Thats some horsecrap.. This thread was posted to tell the story, for those who dont know. Not everyone knows everything and I am sure if you (Blisters) read the article, you probably learned something.

If I were a liberal and I posted this, you would have thanked me you ungrateful lib.

[Blisters]

Hello, I am a foreign exchange student from Japan. I've just been visiting here for the past couple weeks reading topics and stuff. And I saw this thread kind of applied to me. I was not aware of how your national anthem came to be. I'd just like to say thanks for the info, it was very informational! :) Always good to know a little history. :)
Hi Xan,
Welcome to America! Is "Xan" Japanese for Mark72484?

[Mark72484]

Hi Xan,
Welcome to America! Is "Xan" Japanese for Mark72484?

Sorry, but I have more important crap to do than waste my time making up fake people. Like study for my 311 test this thursday. Or the other two tests I have next week. Maybe he's actually a foreign exchange student. I don't know, why don't you message him.

Blah, the 5th and 6th weeks of the semester is always the worst.

[mikesova]

Hello, I am a foreign exchange student from Japan. I've just been visiting here for the past couple weeks reading topics and stuff. And I saw this thread kind of applied to me. I was not aware of how your national anthem came to be. I'd just like to say thanks for the info, it was very informational! :) Always good to know a little history. :)

Hahahahahahhaha

[mikesova]

Sorry, but I have more important crap to do than waste my time making up fake people. Like study for my 311 test this thursday. Or the other two tests I have next week. Maybe he's actually a foreign exchange student. I don't know, why don't you message him.

Blah, the 5th and 6th weeks of the semester is always the worst.

hah, just like you don't have time to change your birthday 3 times on facebook to make it look like your profile isn't you...

Pepsico, you're tool is right here!

[Mark72484]

hah, just like you don't have time to change your birthday 3 times on facebook to make it look like your profile isn't you...

Pepsico, you're tool is right here!

Dude, I honestly have no idea what you're talking about, maybe you were looking at your own profile when you thought you were looking at the one you thought was mine. And you saw your birthday. Which I can see, you do seem slow. And just so you know, I don't have a facebook profile, just for these reasons.

But hey, if you wanna go and think I was that other guy then go right ahead. Hell, why don't you start going to his work and stalking him everywhere he goes, it's not really gonna affect me at all anyway.

[Muse]

Mike, please cut it out with the personal information. It's part of what got the board shut down before. Also, this thread isn't called let's debate Mark's identity.

[Mark72484]

LOL! Still on this one eh? Whatever Sova, believe what you want too. But it's still not me. Oh you liberals, so funny.