A middle-aged woman, her nieces, daughter, and servant girl sew a flag that outgrows her home and is assembled in a nearby barn. The result: a 30'x42' garrison flag for Fort McHenry in Baltimore. The year: 1813.
A Major and his men defend their fort against the powerful British military; the underdog Americans refuse surrender and, determined to hold the fort, successfully force the withdrawal of British forces the next morning. The Major orders the garrison flag to be raised for all to see. The result, a symbol of resolve visible for miles around. The year: 1814.
A Georgetown lawyer, negotiating the release of his friend from the British military, is detained on a "Truce Ship" overnight. He is 8-miles away, anxiously looking for a sign that the Americans proved successful in defending Baltimore from the British. The result, by the "dawn's early light," he sees an American flag proudly waving against all odds, and is inspired to compose what has become our beloved National Anthem. The year: 1814.
A curious tourist leads her family into the American History Museum of the Smithsonian, promising them a glimpse of a huge flag hanging on the wall, but is unable to recall why that flag is significant. Walking into the great hall, she is met instead with a modern "interpretation" of the flag, comprised of metal rectangles pieced together to form the idea of a flag. The year: 2009.
Confused and doubting her memories, she and her family turn to leave when a small sign catches their attention. They follow the arrows through an entry. Rounding the corner, they are greeted by a blue glow eminating from a glass display case large enough to rival the best window displays Macy's has to offer. As they look beyond the reflections of the crowd, they realize that laid out before them, in absolute attention, in all the glory and prestige she deserves, was THE very flag, THE star-spangled banner which Frances Scott Key saw "by the dawn's early light" on the morning of September 14, 1814, hanging gloriously outside Fort McHenry in Baltimore.
Despite the ominous glow of the temperature & lighting-controlled lab that is now her residence, it is still breathtaking to be in her company.
The moments we spend in this exhibit encapsulates the very reason Johnny and I decided to take this road trip. To be in the presence of such a profound moment in history - to understand the story behind a motion we practice (or in this case, sing) almost every day - is truly priceless!
If you are curious about this star-spangled banner, or would like to share this story with your children, check out the following link:
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