By Paula Green

The United States National Anthem, The Star Spangled Banner, was written by Francis Scott Key in September 1814.  The lyrics come from a poem he wrote “Defence of Fort McHenry.”  Key composed them on the back of an envelope after seeing the bombardment of Fort McHenry at Baltimore, Maryland, by Royal Navy ships in Chesapeake Bay during the War of 1812.

The tune comes from a popular English drinking song To Anacreon in Heaven.  The Star Spangled Banner was recognized for official use by the Navy in 1889.  On March 3, 1931, the U.S. Congress proclaimed it as the national anthem 116 years after it was first written.  Prior to its inception, Columbia the Gem of the Ocean and Hail, Columbia were used as unofficial national anthems.

Over the years, many patriotic songs have honored our great country and the brave service men and women who have defended our freedom.  Each branch of the military has its own official song: The Army Goes Rolling Along is the Army’s; Anchors Aweigh is the Navy’s.   Eternal Father, Strong to Save is the Navy Hymn.  The U.S. Air Force Song is the official song of the Air Force.  The Marines’ Hymn is the official song of the U.S. Marine Corp. while Semper Paratus, which means “Always Ready,” is the U.S. Coast Guard hymn.

Different wars have elicited popular songs as well.  The tune Yankee Doodle Dandy and The Liberty Song were common during the Revolutionary War.  During the Civil War, well-known melodies included: Dixie, When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again, The Battle Hymn of the Republic and The Battle Cry of Freedom.  The song Over There was written in 1917, and it was prominent during both world wars.  The Ballad of the Green Beret hit the airwaves during the Vietnam War.

There are also a few patriotic songs that focus specifically on “Old Glory,” our flag.  Some of these catchy tunes are: You’re a Grand Old Flag, Stars & Stripes Forever and a musical version of the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Songs that centralize on America are: God Bless America, My Country ‘Tis of Thee, America the Beautiful, America by Neil Diamond and God Bless the USA by Lee Greenwood.  This song became a Top 10 hit in 1984, and its stature has only grown throughout the years.

Since we have struck a chord and saluted some patriotic tunes, we must now harmonize out thoughts on these questions, because it’s time to get a little trivial…..

1. During the bombing of Fort McHenry, Francis Scott Key observed the largest battle flag ever flown, a 30’ by 42’ American flag.  How many stars and stripes did it have?

2. This 60s / 70s quintet sang a musical version of the Declaration of Independence.

3. What country music star sings Courtesy of the Red, White & Blue and The Battlefield?

4. Which song contains the verse “From the Halls of Montezuma, To the Shores of Tripoli?”

5. (The Air Force song) - Off we go, into the wild blue…?

6. This patriotic “Battle” song was written November 1861 by Julia Ward Howe.

7. This hymn is played for the President of the United States.

8. Which song is played as an entrance song for the Vice President?

9. Woody Guthrie wrote this popular patriotic folk song in 1940.

10. This musical piece is played during U.S. flag ceremonies and military funerals.

11. This famous composer introduced us to these marches – The Washington Post (1889) and The Liberty Bell (1893).

12. Which patriotic song was written by Irving Berlin and popularized by singer Kate Smith?

13. This blind performer sang Fifty Nifty United States.

14. Who performs the song The Great Defenders? (it is on his 1992 album “American Patriot”)

15. What is the National March of the United States of America?

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org

http://www.funtrivia.com

http://www1.va/opa/feature/celebrate.milsongs.asp

Answers:

1. 15 stars and 15 stripes  2. The 5th Dimension 3.  Toby Keith 4.  The Marines’ Hymn  5. yonder   6. The Battle Hymn of the Republic  7. Hail to the Chief   8. Hail, Columbia   9.This Land is Your Land  10. Taps   11. John Phillip Sousa  12. God Bless America  13. Ray Charles  14. Lee Greenwood  15. Stars & Stripes Forever

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