Most Americans are taught the Pledge of Allegiance as young students, eager to pay tribute to their flag and their country. However, few Americans really know how the Pledge got its start. The Pledge of Allegiance has had a very interesting history. The pledge was born in 1892 when Francis Bellamy, a Baptist minister, created… continue
Just before America’s entry into World War II in 1941, the New York Philharmonic found itself in a dispute over the placing of two American flags on its stage and the playing of the National Anthem before every concert. It was up to Arthur Judson, manager of the orchestra, to answer pro and con letters…. continue
From baseball games to symphonic concerts, everyone in the U.S. has heard someone sing or play the National Anthem to honor the American flag. Very few, however, have seen “The Star-Spangled Banner” in pantomime. But a book exists that could change that. At one time, it was a bible for acting out Francis Scott Key’s… continue
The most famous three-part name linked to “The Star-Spangled Banner” is, of course, Francis Scott Key. In this bicentennial year of the composition of his ode to the American flag, it’s good to recall another name: Elsie Jorss Reilley, whose musical talent helped the poem become the National Anthem. From 1814 until 1931, when Congress… continue
Do you think the National Anthem is difficult to sing? So does one of the greatest singers in the world. This year’s Super Bowl was one of the worst ever, but the performance of the anthem was one of the best ever, thanks to opera star Renee Fleming, who was the voice of choice in… continue