Star Spangled Banner Day 4
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| Patriot's Day quilt by Debby Kratovil |
(Yes, she's young and beautiful as well as smart!)
Here's our last day with Jane Cook. This is just a small taste of how rich our American history is. It's been 200 years since the writing of the Star Spangled Banner, but it's not always been viewed as a patriotic, feel good song. I asked Jane about that and here is her answer:
What
inspired you to write about the national anthem?
An ESPN commentator in Nov. 2013 suggested that The Star-Spangled Banner shouldn't be sung at sporting events because it was a war anthem. Likewise, news stories pop up frequently with attacks on patriotism. I decided to write America's Star-Spangled Story to help Americans rediscover the story behind the song as part of the national anthem’s 200th anniversary celebration on Sept. 14, 2014. I hope it will also inspire some American pride, too.
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| "The rockets red glare; the bombs bursting in air. . ." |
(OK. The British weren't looking for sewing machines because they hadn't been invented yet.)
One more question for Jane:
What
do you hope to see in our children as they grow up into better Americans (what
needs to transpire: school, home, religious heritage).
I’m concerned that younger generations aren’t developing a love for America. A 2014 Pew Research Center study indicated that just 49% of Millennials, (Americans born between 1980 and 2000), describe themselves as patriotic. This is significantly below other generations, with 64% of Generation X and 75% of Baby Boomers identifying themselves as patriotic. Likewise, another poll reported that only 56 percent of Americans say they are proud to be an American.
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| Land of Liberty quilt by Judith Travis Hampton |
Let’s
face it. History is often taught through names, places, timelines, and dates,
which are easily forgotten. Stories, however, stick with us. We better remember
stories because they have the power to resonate with us and stick with us if
they’re told in a compelling, relevant way.
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| Quilt by Judith Travis Hampton (with Jane's son's head peeking out!) |
If
our schools, homes, and churches want to do a better job of passing along our
history and pride in our country, a great place to focus is on the stories.
This summer, I rented the PBS show Liberty’s Kids, from the library and watched it
with my sons, ages 9 and 7. They learned a great deal about the American
Revolution because they watched the stories unfold in this highly accurate
animated series. We need more content like that at our finger tips, whether
through books, film, or smart phone apps. That’s one reason why I’ve focused on American history in the
majority of my eight books.
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| Flag quilt by Judith Travis Hampton |
Now for the giveaways. Jane has graciously offered a copy of her new book, America's Star Spangled Story to one lucky winner today.
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| One lucky winner will receive this book from Jane |
And - more free fabric to a second lucky winner! More of the fabrics from yesterday, so if you didn't win yesterday, here's your lucky chance!
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| More free fabrics from Benartex |
1. The contest is over at midnight tonight, September 10, 2014 (EST). I have another contest tomorrow, so come back and bring your friends.
2. Fabrics and book can only be mailed in the United States.
3. If I randomly select someone from outside the United States, you can have ANY of my patterns from my Craftsy site. I will email them to you (obviously, the ones that are for sale).
4. If I don't have your email, I can't notify you! Anonymous bloggers can't win!
Leave me a message telling me how you have viewed the Star Spangled Banner song. Do you see it as a war cry or as something else?
And come back tomorrow for more quilt inspiration, free patterns and of course, free fabric!
On the one hand I sometimes feel the same lack of Patriotism you feel in our youth and then I see all the 18 year olds in the service. So I think I might be wrong. Our Government Officials need to show more support. I live in a small town, where that support still exists. I do know we need to teach our children to respect the flag and the National Anthem, that's being lost these days. Just watch a baseball game.
ReplyDeleteI've always have enjoyed hearing the Star Spangled Banner. Way back when I remember an older person telling me that they sang the "Star Spangled Banner" before every event, including dances. Respect and love for our country should be shown by everyone living here.
ReplyDeleteI too believe we should go back to basics with our kids. The pledge, including "under God" everyday, teaching U.S. History yearly, instead of maybe just a semester in High School, when many students don't care any more. U.S. History should be taught yearly, even if for only a half hour a week. Our kids don't even know the basics. I love the Star Spangled Banner, was taught it was a war cry, but that war cry's are a useful thing when a war needs to be fought. It's a heck of a lot better than listening to the president and the talking heads talk about something forever. Yes, it's important to listen and be informed, but not very patriotic or awe inspiring. cdahlgren at live dot com
ReplyDeleteAlthough written as a war cry, the Star Spangled Banner has evolved into a statement of patriotism. I believe that greed in our country has cast a pallor over what's truly important, encouraging a misguided sense of entitlement in our youth and young adults and compromising the integrity of the government's responsibility to the people.
ReplyDeleteI see the Star Spangled Banner as and expression of love for country and patriotism. I'd rather hear it sung in the traditional way than some of these singers who try to "make it their own" and often make it sound awful. Seems disrespectful.
ReplyDeleteI am very patriotic, of course my age would support that. I raised my children to be patriotic also (my daughter missed being a Millenial by one day!) They know to stand when the flag goes by, the boys know to take their hat off, hand over their hearts, how to fold the flag, and treat it with respect. The Star Spangled Banner almost brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it. I am STILL so proud of my country (although I feel changes need to be made). I vote at every election, and so do my 4 children. We, as Americans, enjoy the best life possible, and have every opportunity to do what we want, how we want, and when we want. I would love to win, but even if I don't, thank you for the opportunity to express myself about our country!
ReplyDeleteI am a history buff, though unfortunately, I have to say that I am not a huge fan of our anthem. Musically, I don't find it as inspiring as many other country's anthems, and it bothers me that so many people don't understand the words, like ramparts and o'er (a contraction of "over", not "or", which would make no sense at all!)
ReplyDeleteallisonpogany@gmail.com
I grew up in Baltimore. From elementary school, on up, we sang, studied and stood up for the national anthem. It is a rally cry for patriots. It is a source of pride in our country. Touring Ft. McHenry will give you the picture of how close we were to not being the best country on earth.
ReplyDeleteI see the Star Spangled Banner song as an anthem song. It is patriotic and gives hope to any of us whenever we hear it. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI see it as a war cry. I love that song and it makes me humble. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy hearing our Star Spangled Banner before sporting events - it's respect for what we have and the chance "just to be there"! I feel like there's not a lot of Patriotism left because of a few "non-believers" trying to have their "rights" over the majority. Too much is taken away - ie. prayer in school - and our children/grandchildren don't get the chance to practice what we try to teach them. Thanks so much for another great lesson and giveaway!
ReplyDeleteDebby E
samtaylorcjsmimi@yahoo.com
I Love hearing the Anthem, but so wish sporting events would keep it to the true rendition - and have someone who knows the words.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure I see "The Star Spangled Banner" as a war cry. I see it as a song about a battle in which America engaged and won. I do respect it as our national anthem, but I think "America the Beautiful" or "My Country Tis of Thee" would be better as the national anthem as they are more singable. Be that as it may, I still stand sing the anthem when played at events. I love my country, its anthem and flag and what they stand for. I don't worship them though. I reserve worship for God.
ReplyDeleteIt is a beautiful song. I wish that they would keep it true to the original form. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI've never thought of it as a war song, but as a song of strength and survival. It gives me chills and always brings a tear to my eye.
ReplyDeleteI think of the song as a patriotic anthem.
ReplyDeleteI love the Star Spangled Banner. I think sometimes when our country messes up and we don't support some action our government takes, it's easy to lose your sense of patriotism. But we need to remember that we also represent our country, and each person can make a difference in making this country a country we can all be proud of.
ReplyDeleteI still stand with my hand on my heart when I hear it. To me it is America, just like Old Glory is. I think of it as the wonder of seeing our Flag after the battle, we still stand, we are strong, we are free.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy singing the Star-Spangled Banner. But sometimes I don't like hearing it!
ReplyDeleteGiffordjoan@gmail.com
I think of the Star Spangled Banner as a patriotic song. I like that it is sung before sporting events. However, I like it to be sung as originally written. I don't care for many of the interpretations being done by some singers. Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteI have always thought of it as a testiment to the endourance of Americans and their ability to hang in there. Having said that, I think America the Beautiful would make a better national anthem, lol.
ReplyDeleteIt is a war cry indeed, but in most cases today it is sang to show patriotism and love of country. I see a loss happening each time it is sang to open an event, hats not taken off, not all people stand, numerous people no longer place their hand on their heart. We have to teach our children and grandchildren what this song truly is and what is expected as for respect and honor of the song and it's meaning.
ReplyDeleteI'm so enjoying the patriotic quilt parades! Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteI find it patriotic and inspiring. We live in the best country in the world and should be proud of it.
ReplyDeleteI have thought it was the way America was and is. Will fight for what we have and we'll still be here when it's all over!
ReplyDeleteI see the Star Spangled Banner as a very patriotic song. A song about the freedom we have, b/c of the brave servicemen who keep us that way.
ReplyDeleteI have never thought the Star Spangled Banner as a war song. I believe it a very patriotic song of our freedom.
ReplyDeleteLovely Patriot" Day quilt (and pattern, thanks). and thanks for chance to win that gorgeous fabric!
ReplyDeleteI always thought it was beautiful. I learned all four verses in high school. Wish I still remembered them all.
ReplyDeleteStar Spangled Banner has always been a patriotic song to me. Thanks for the chance for the fun fabric.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post! I really love the quilt at the bottom with the scripture about "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord". He gave us values and morals that, if followed, will guide us through even the roughest of times.
ReplyDeleteThe Star Spangled Banner is a very patriotic song and I love it. I love hearing it and get goosebumps always as I watch everyone put their hands over their hearts.
ReplyDeleteOur national anthem always makes me tear up a bit. I have long thought it glorified battle, and is hard to sing. I love "America the Beautiful" but "The Star-Spangled Banner" has been our national anthem for 200 years, that's what we're celebrating. I can surely get on board with that when such celebratory fabrics and creative quilts are made!
ReplyDeleteIt's a patriotic song, for the people of this new country.
ReplyDeleteI cry every time I hear the Star Spangled Banner. To me it is the affirmation that the United States may be bloodied, weary and heart-sore, but we will not ever give up. It is a reminder that my country's freedoms were paid for with the blood of patriots, and that patriots who love America still make those payments with their blood and their lives. With two of my daughters in the military, this is very personal to me.
ReplyDeleteI think of the anthem as a tribute to our country, and I never thought of it as a battle cry even though I know the story behind it.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was in chorus, we learned about the story behind the Star Spangled Banner, and what the words meant. To me, that's what makes this song about patriotism, not war. It's because of the wars fought that we need to know and love our country.
ReplyDeleteI never thought of the Star Spangled Banner as a call to war. Rather it always seemed to me that the rockets red glare and bombs bursting in air were those of the attackers. The song asks if the flag still flies after such an attack, and celebrates the survival of the country.
ReplyDeletestephloupee at comcastdotnet
I see "The Star-Spangled Banner" as an end-of-war song. It shows that one can persevere and see the light at the end of the tunnel. Sometimes violence, while not preferable, is an expedient way to solve conflicts. I don't know if our violent species will ever find a way to live without it.
ReplyDeleteI've always thought of it as a song of hope and affirmation. I always picture the watchers waiting to see if their fledgling country had stood up to the test or not. Thanks for hosting...it's been a really fun series! pbstrand@msn.com (Beth @ Words & Stitches.)
ReplyDeleteI think of it as a declaration of hope and courage. It has been fun learning more of our history. Thank you for hosting this series.
ReplyDeleteI have always looked on this song as spiritually stirring - it's a man's prayer for his country's survival! It's a song of hope and a paen of gratitude to a God who saw us through the worst of times. I've always loved the strength of the song, and the nation it represents. I hate it when people call it a "war" song or say we should have some insipid ballad as an anthem. It is an ANTHEM, and beautiful with and without words. It also annoys me when I watch the lips of Olympians who win gold, and they can't even sing the first verse.
ReplyDelete