This morning, the girls exclaimed that since it was Veteran’s Day we needed to be sure to remember to say the pledge of allegiance first thing. Then I dug out my sheet music for “The Star-Spangled Banner.” I played it several times for them, and we read the story of the song’s composition.
I’ve heard (and sung) the song many times, but I’m not sure I’ve ever read it in print. What stood out to me today were all the question marks:
O say does that star-spangled banner yet sway
o’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
Is it still there? Can you see it? Will it still be there in the morning?
How fitting that our national anthem should have this tentativeness. It’s a realistic acknowledgment that our freedom can’t be taken for granted. Thank you to our servicemen and women, and to your families. Thank you for defending America’s ideals, and all who call this nation home.
Oh, great post, Janet. I wish I’d thought of doing a Veteran’s Day entry.