After negotiations with the British who held American prisoners on a boat off shore, Francis Scott Key, lawyer and colleague of George Washington reported his words about the American men who were fighting for our freedom: “He will die on his feet before he will live on his knees.” Such was the case in the perilous battle overnight by the British. The American patriots on Ft. Henry held true, holding the flag that remained visible by the red glare of the rockets. As they were shot dead, more patriots moved in, surrendering their lives to uphold the flag. In the end it was ripped to shreds but remained standing. Francis Scott Key penned the song, the Star-Spangled Banner, our national anthem, to illuminate the courage of the men who gave their lives for the “land of the brave and the home of the free.”

Today we remember our brave ones, our fallen heroes. Because of your sacrifice, millions have been freed around the world. This freedom that we oftentimes take for granted, was bought with your blood. Today we remember you with honor, respect, and humility. May your blood not have been shed in vain. May your legacy be honored for generations to come. May the generations that follow maintain the same strength, honor, dignity, and patriotism for this great nation that you risked your life for.

Most of us are very familiar with our National Anthem and can probably sing it by heart. But few of us know the story behind the Anthem.  If we do not know our history, we may very well not value our past or safeguard our future. In the words of George Santayana, Harvard professor, “Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it.”

God Bless the USA! As you celebrate our independence with your loved ones, please watch this compelling video and pledge to do your part to make America great again!