“You’re a grand old flag, you’re a high-flying flag…”

It’s almost the 4^th of July, America’s Independence Day. On June 14^th we celebrate National Flag Day commemorating the Second Continental Congress approving the Stars and Stripes as our flag in 1777. One star represents each state and the 13 red and white stripes represent the original 13 colonies. Before that, each state lived and fought under their own individual flag.

Sometimes speaking our patriotism isn’t enough. Often our love of country is so stirring and strong, it has to be expressed through song.

Our national anthem, the Star-Spangled Banner, was jotted as a poem by Francis Scott Key’s as he watched a Fort M’Henry being fiercely attacked but rejoiced to see our flag still flying when the onslaught ended at dawn. John Stafford Smith later put it to music.

I only recently learned that the anthem we love and sing is only the opening verse. There are many others to read and enjoy.

American entertainer, songwriter George M. Cohan put his patriotism to music. We often hear his stirring song, “It’s a grand old flag” this time of year. Here is the best-known stanza bu­t there are also many more:

You’re a grand old flag, You’re a high-flying flag and forever in peace may you wave
You’re the emblem of the land I love, the home of the free and the brave
Ev’ry heart beats true under red, white and blue where there’s never a boast or brag
But should old acquaintance be forgot, keep your eye on the grand old flag

What is your favorite patriotic song? Is there one you’ve written or would like to write? Give it a try and share it with us!