This tribute to the flag is offered to the country in appeal to all men and women of all races, colors, and tongues, that they may come to understand that our flag is the symbol of liberty and learn to love it. Alvin M. Owsley., Past National Commander, The American Legion   Star-Spangled Banner O say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,  What so proudly we hail'd at the twilight's last gleaming, Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight, O'er the ramparts we watch'd, were so gallantly streaming? And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

Second Stanza On the Shore, dimly seen thro'  the mist of the deep, Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes, What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep. As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses? Now it catches the gleam of the first morning beam, In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream. 'Tis the star-spangled banner. Oh! long may it wave, O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

In the third stanza, Scott Francis Key allows himself to gloat and be proud of the American triumph. Third Stanza And where is that band who vauntingly swore, That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion A home and a country should leave us no more? Their blood has washed out their footstep's pollution. No refuge could save the hireling and slave, From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave, And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave, O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

The fourth stanza is more of a pious hope for the future, and it should be sung in a slower more emotional manner. Fourth Stanza Oh! Thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand, Between their loved homes and the war's desolation, Bless with vict'ry and peace, may the Heav'n - rescued land, Praise the Pow'r that hath made and perserved us a nation. Then conquer we must, for our cause is just, And this be our motto- "In God is our trust." And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave, O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.   Now, I hope the next time you hear a display of the patriotic, important, National Anthem you will think differently and realize all the courage that was involved; and the magnitude this anthem has on the spirit of our freedom fighting country.

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