Sep 14 -1814 - Francis Scott Key wrote the lyrics to "The Star-Spangled Banner" after witnessing the British bombardment of Fort McHenry in Maryland during the War of 1812.
On Sept. 14, 2001, the FBI released the names of the 19 hijackers who took part in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks; President George W. Bush toured the ruins of the World Trade Center and addressed rescue workers over a bullhorn.
President Bush: "I can hear you”
I don’t need to know the story of Fort McHenry to understand our national anthem. Key’s words paint a vibrant picture of the morning. Every time I hear and sing them, I find myself standing next to Key, my heart a-flutter, my breath taken, and a spirit rising from my soul.
Our flag was still there!
And we say, Americans, we can see you!
187 years later, at ground zero, President Bush, said, Americans, we can hear you.
O thus be it ever, when free men shall stand
Between their loved homes and the war’s desolation;
Blest with vict’ry and peace, may the heav’n-rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved is a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just;
And this be out motto: “In God is our trust!”
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
Originally published Sep 14, 2011