Page 18 - TFRW PNL Mar 2019

Inspire. Unite. Achieve.
Americanism

by June Rentmeester and Jeannee O’Neill

Americanism Co-Chairmen

March Moments in History

The month of March has made its mark on the annals of history.

American History

On March 3, 1931, the “Star-Spangled Banner” became the National
Anthem, as signed into law by President Herbert Hoover. Although Birthdays
Francis Scott Key was a poet, he did not want it to be regarded as a
March 3 Alexander Graham Bell
poem and had every intention of having it set to music. Specifically, he
(1847-1922) was born and, of all of
wanted it to accompany the music of a popular song of the day. The
his many inventions, is best known
rhyme he had in mind was “To Anacreon in Heaven,” a popular song at
for the invention of the telephone.
that time. Because the meter of the song fit it, the music was perfect for
He is remembered for his words to
his words. Besides, he had used it once before with another poem he had
his assistant “Mr. Watson, come
written, and the words in it had reference to a “star-spangled flag.”
here, I want you.” From March 10,
Some historians stated in error that Key was a prisoner on board a British 1876, to March 2019, we are able
warship when he wrote his poem. Actually, he and John Stuart Skinner take our phones out of our pockets
had set sail on an American sloop and had been sent to negotiate with or purses and call anywhere in the
the British for the release of Dr. William Beanes. The British agreed on world.
the condition they remain on board the British ship until after they
March 10 Clare Boothe Luce
attacked Baltimore. Accompanied by British guards, they returned to the
(1903-1987) was born in New
American sloop where they witnessed the bombardment. The evening
York City. As an author and later
was not only a flashing of lights and bombs but a thunderstorm added to
a politician, she became the first
the cacophony of the battle. Because of the rain a small garrison flag was
woman to become an Ambassador
flown until the morning when a larger flag was hoisted and that’s the flag
to Italy.
Key wrote about in his poem. The song was originally titled “Defense of
Fort McHenry.”

On March 4, 1933, President Roosevelt took office and spoke the words,
“Let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear
itself.” Our nation was recovering from the Great Depression, and these
were his words to restore confidence to Americans.

“And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave

O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.”

– Francis Scott Key

(continued on next page)

PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER | MARCH 2019 18 TEXAS FEDERATION OF REPUBLICAN WOMEN