1854 - Francis Scott Key wrote the lyrics to "The Star-Spangled Banner" after witnessing the British bombardment of Fort McHenry in Maryland during the War of 1812.
2001 - President George W. Bush at ground Zero in New York City, speaking through a bullhorn to the rescue workers: "I can hear you!"
Key’s words paint a vibrant picture of the morning at Fort McHenry. Every time I hear and sing them, I find myself standing next to Key, my heart a-flutter, my breath taken, and a spirit rising from my soul.
Our flag was still there!
And we say, Americans, we can see you!
187 years later, at ground zero, President Bush, said, Americans, we can hear you.
O thus be it ever, when free men shall stand
Between their loved homes and the war’s desolation;
Blest with vict’ry and peace, may the heav’n-rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved is a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just;
And this be out motto: “In God is our trust!”
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
