Saturday 9- Star Spangled Banner

 

Star Spangled Banner

Saturday 9: The National Anthem (2016)
... because it's 4th of July

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) An early handwritten manuscript of "The Star Spangled Banner" (complete with scratch outs) is preserved at the Maryland Historical Society. Today, much of what we write is preserved in The Cloud. Do you often write down your thoughts with pen or pencil? Or do you do everything on your laptop, pad or phone?  I sometimes will write something down with pen and paper, but mostly I use my laptop or phone.  I do my grocery lists on my phone.
 
2) It's well-known that the lyrics were written by Francis Scott Key. Not so well known is John Stafford Smith, the British composer who gave us the music. He is buried in England's Gloucester Cathedral, under both the US and UK flags. Where is the nearest United States flag waving near you right now?  We have a flag that flies outside our house.
 
3) This week's video features Lady Gaga singing The National Anthem before the 2016 Super Bowl. She also performed it at President Biden's Inauguration last January. When is the last time you sang it?  I sing along when I hear it being played, but not exactly sure when the last time was.
 
4) Our second and third Presidents, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, both died on July 4, 1826. OK, it's your turn. Share a Presidential fact.  James Monroe was the fifth President, but the third to die on the 4th of July.  It is funny you bring that up...the kids at school were telling me about the Presidents that died on the 4th of July when school was still in session.  My Grandma Burkett (my dad's mom) also died on the 4th of July.
 
5) John Hancock said his signature on the Declaration of Independence was intentionally large so King George could see it without his glasses. Do you need glasses to read?  yes, unfortunately I need glasses for everything now.  I did not need them until I was 40.

6) The Revolutionary War still raged during that summer of 1777. General George Washington allowed his soldiers to celebrate with a double ration of run on July 4. Will you be toasting the United States with an adult beverage this weekend?  no, in fact I am not sure if we are going to watch fireworks with family or staying home with the dogs.  They get so scared on the 4th of July.  We usually stay home with them.  Last year Josh and I went outside and watched fireworks at our house and Karl stayed inside with them.

 

7) Since this year, July 4th falls on a Sunday, banks and post offices will be closed will be closed on Monday. Thanks to email and ATMs, Sam doesn't find this a hardship. How about you? Do you find it inconvenient to go three days without regular USPS delivery or access to a teller at the bank?  Not at all.  I am glad they get the day off.
 
8) Celebrity chef Rachael Ray says she considers mini-hamburgers, or "sliders," the All-American food. What will you be eating this 4th of July?  We will probably do some grilling....burgers and hotdogs.  Maybe steaks.
 
9) The 4th of July is a highlight of the summer season. Have you yet suffered the traditional warm weather maladies: sunburn or bug bites?  I haven't been out much.  No, not yet.  I typically have more problems with bug bites though.