Time Experience Thoughts

The Star Spangled Banner Fourth of July (2013) This is the story about the Star Spangled Banner. And a little bit about our country, and a little bit about you. Some historians claim that the most important political act in American History was neither the daring signing or publishing of the Declaration of Independence, nor was it the brilliant design or ratification of the U.S. Constitution. But that it was when George Washington, the first president of the United States of America, purposely chose to step down from power. Evidently this was the first time in world history that the leader of a great nation voluntarily left office of his own accord. Prior to Washington, if a leader or king did not die of natural causes they were either overthrown or assassinated. By the way, this was not the first time Washington gave up power. After he won the Revolutionary War, rather than take over as the conquering hero/general, he turned back his military commission to the civilian leaders w

Robert Treat Paine -- named Thomas Paine at birth -- had his name changed to that of his father, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. (NOTE: The original Thomas Paine had fallen out of favor with the public later in his life.) Robert Treat Paine wrote a song: Adams and Liberty . It was perhaps the most popular political song of its era, and was even republished in Great Britain. It was one of many songs sung to the tune of the English song  To Anacreon in Heaven . A later, now more famous, The Star-Spangled Banner . This poem/song is, in its own right, quite a commentary on the promise and character of the new nation. (Try singing it to yourself in the melody mentioned above.) ODE. ADAMS AND LIBERTY. Robert Treat Paine (1773-1811) Written for, and sung at the fourth Anniversary of the Massachusetts Charitable Fire Society, 1798. 1     Y E   sons of Columbia, who bravely have fought,           For those rights, which unstained from your Sires had descended,