British Guy Learns About The US National Anthems History "Star Spangled Banner As You Never Heard"

[@jonathanhess4735]

"America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination, and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand." - Harry Truman

[@diegobrando3409]

Wasn't he the guy who told Japan to give up or be blasted to hell in 1945?

[@coleenfottrell4102]

We’d better wake up and shut down the commies or we’re gonna lose it.

[@diegobrando3409]

@Cagney 101 but from what I remember Hiroshima and Nagasaki were populated civilian cities. I'd imagine bombing civilians would be a power move to force a submission.

[@diegobrando3409]

@Cagney 101 plus I'm not bitching, I don't give a shit if a few people got turned to vapor a hundred years ago. It's just ironic Truman said America is not built on fear but he struck fear in or well attempted to in the Japanese population.

[@diegobrando3409]

@Cagney 101 but they still didn't surrender until the ussr also declared war. It was too much to handle so they said fuck it.

[@josephmchugh4040]

The entire British Armada: "How are you still alive?!" The Stars and Stripes: "Fuck you, that's how."

[@andreaviola8675]

Love it....and that attitude still remains in this country. Even though we are quiet right now it does not mean we agree.

[@tanyasmith2173]

Pretty much, yup. Lol

[@kevintan5497]

@@andreaviola8675 eh idk about quiet we kinda havent been quiet in the world since world war II

[@andreaviola8675]

@@kevintan5497 Then you stay quiet while there is a communist take over. People like you will be the first one's whining when they take your assets or when the sharp reality of no food, no freedom only poverty and slavery become the reality. The majority of us are all about the "Fuck you, that's how" statement.

[@ItsJamMan]

Hell yea brotha 😎🇺🇸

[@htbcerberus5358]

“I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country." - Nathan Hale’s last words before being executed in revolutionary war

[@BrandonforATFdirector]

Yep was ordered hanged by the British for “spying/treason”

[@odysseusrex5908]

@@BrandonforATFdirector Well, in all fairness, he was a spy. He knew the risks when he accepted the assignment.

[@BrandonforATFdirector]

@@odysseusrex5908 true

[@maciedixon3983]

😰😰😰

[@gardenplots283]

@@odysseusrex5908 One man's traitor is another man's patriot.

[@gladys4246]

This is a true story. It's why we love and respect our flag, and the sacrifices that were made to give us our freedom, and why we proudly fly it. It's a memorial in a sense. A reminder. It remains true that we will die on our feet rather than live on our knees. To this day. I proudly fly a 20 foot long American flag at my house, and look at it every day.

[@JohnLeePettimoreIII]

about the only thing in this speech that's right is that FSK wrote the poem that became our national anthem. most everything else the speaker says is BS.

[@aprilbiggerstaff9333]

We fly a 20ft flag in our front yard always have always will

[@Michelle_Crn]

God Bless America!

[@kenadkins1360]

That is why we are so touchy about the flag never touching the ground.

[@jdanon203]

Yet totally cool that we let law enforcement desecrate the flag in violation of federal law with that stupid blue line version of the flag.

[@qmaximus5207]

@@jdanon203 No different that the black line version other groups use. They use it as a symbol, obviously they would never disrespect the real one.

[@kirksingletary3788]

@@jdanon203 just no

[@Asher5250]

@@jdanon203 Federal law for flag desecration requires that an actual flag be desecrated, not a likeness. Otherwise any likeness used on shoes, clothing, etc. would be considered desecration as well.

[@JennyTroutstanding]

@@Asher5250 United States v. Eichman, friend. There is no legal consequence to desecrating the flag.

[@annkelly0072]

This is why Old Glory is more than "just a flag." We will defend Her to our last drop of blood. As an American & a Vet, thank you for this.

[@jettrodgers7821]

Yes we will

[@royvincent9250]

with every breath and every last drop of my blood i will stand and defend with you

[@debbiemccullars6592]

Absolutely

[@tomloeffler2777]

Old Glory is a different flag from the Star Spangled Banner. I've seen them both.

[@annkelly0072]

@@tomloeffler2777 Yes, and no. While Driver's Old Glory flag of the Civil War differs from our modern flag of 50 Stars, American's (particularly those who have served or have ties to the military) have come to call our flag "Old Glory." Our flag is lovingly & honorably called Old Glory while our national anthem is the "Star Spangled Banner."

[@ryanhampson673]

The flag is still displayed at the Smithsonian in Washington DC...Battle damage and all..It really is surreal seeing it.

[@pamelareynaud8502]

When I read this comment my jaw dropped open and I found myself saying, "You're kidding?!!" If I could ever afford a vacation it would be to go see it in person.

[@paradoxbeats7987]

I thought it was still at Fort Henry. At least it was when we went there in 2013. Could be wrong though.

[@dovahbear0]

@@pamelareynaud8502 its massive... though that's from the eye's of a kid less then 10yrs old. Also went to the holocaust museum when it opened... I however dont remember much of that... probably blocked that one out as a kid...

[@gorgarath]

@@paradoxbeats7987 It's been in DC for a long time. Not sure when it was originally moved there, but it's been there since at least the 70s. They do fly a smaller replica flag at Ft. McHenry. From what I heard, it's still the original flag pole, though I've not verified that.

[@paradoxbeats7987]

@@gorgarath ok that makes sense. I was like 8 so I don’t have the best memory of it.

[@duckluck3755]

Dude being an American growing up is awesome. Especially when you’re young, you’re captured by this idea that some brave men long long ago fought to free our country. You can’t really describe it, but American patriotism is something special.

[@johnhalo8726]

Yeah its awesome growing up because they never teach you about the bad

[@Christobanistan]

@@johnhalo8726 I don't know where you grew up. I'm sure you never studied in history class. In America we teach the bad and the good very, very openly, and very, very thoroughly, from slavery to the Indian Wars. It's always framed as a constant, noble struggle "to create a more perfect union."

[@adelaidealfieri9582]

I agree and can attest to this! I’ve always been SO proud to be an American because of the sacrifices our fore fathers made, which we learned about in school. But not all Americans know all the details of this amazing story

[@ShramenNoodles]

i know :D

[@TheLikeButon]

They still do

[@QUESTIONABLEyu]

If you go to Washington DC, go to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History and you can see the actual flag from the fort.

[@ks4isu]

I saw it in 2010 - it's highly protected from deterioration. A kid nearby said, "It looks virtual!"

[@artsysabs]

I've always wanted to go to the Smithsonian but D.C. seems like a pain 😂

[@artsysabs]

@Charlie Allen you gonna comment this on every comment?

[@artsysabs]

@Charlie Allen 🤔🤔🤔

[@GoofyJojo]

@Charlie Allen leave him alone

[@lynnerussell1440]

"I'll die on my feet before I'll live on my knees." That quote encompases what the revolution was about and why our leaders will not bow to kings or queens.

[@stn7172]

Unfortunately our politicans are owned by corporations and bankers. Which is why our country is going along this fake pandemic.

[@emmef7970]

Glad I got in time to see that someone mentioned that important detail before I even started the video! Thank you!

[@whodis2614]

@@stn7172 Why would all governments around the world be putting their countries in a lock down that could ruin their economies just because of bankers and corporations? Even communist ones?

[@stn7172]

@@whodis2614 To crash everything and make everyone dependent on the government and implement a universal basic income which is why inflation is through the roof. Soon they will eventually get rid of paper money and go completely digital. Look up agenda 21/2030, they have been planning this for decades.

[@vespurrs]

Except Obama.

[@ajrocks44]

The thing he didn't mention is that the song didn't become our anthem till the 1929. It was a poem by Key kept alive as a bar song in Baltimore for 115 years till it became the anthem.

[@austindavis6137]

That's amazing!!!

[@DGraham9721]

That be true.... good going Baltimore!

[@mikem1194]

Very true! Beat me to the punch. Great comment, Adam N. 🇺🇸☝🏼🇺🇸

[@rustzz8]

And the music is British.

[@snowflakehunter]

True. And here is another fact...The star Spangled Banner was not written from a drinking song. It is based of the melody of "To Anacreon in Heaven" which was the anthem to the Anacreon Society, which was an amateur music club. The song was sung to signal the transition between the evenings orchestral music concert and after dinner participatory singing. I'm sure some drinks were enjoyed during the dinner, but it was not a drinking song. This is simply a well believed myth. All information came from the Encyclopedia Britannica and The Constitution Daily.

[@LauranCHB]

Just crying and so grateful for their bravery. As the other commentary said, it's not "just a flag".

[@philliperickson6224]

My favorite story happened at the 1948 London Olympics. At the opening ceremony all the countries lowered their flag to the king except one. The flagbearer for the USA. When ask why he responded, These colors bow to NO earthly king.

[@maciedixon3983]

This makes complete sense. Very very American

[@ex-navyspook]

Naval ships will also "dip" their ensigns (flags) to other nations. The United States Navy does not as we recognize only one entity to whom we would ultimately submit, and that is God Almighty.

[@labhrais6957]

Merica! 🇺🇲🇺🇸

[@theghasynchroduck]

🙄 The US is a secular country and doesn't endorse or establish any religion...it's in the Constitution. All the references to God were put in waaaaaaay after the constitution was written. The pledge of Allegiance was changed to include a reference to God during the Red Scare in the 1950's, In God We Trust was added to money in the 1950's also. So while the US doesn't dip it's flag, it's not because of God in any way.

[@w8stral]

@@theghasynchroduck You have been utterly brainwashed. THE USA was founded upon Christianity. There will be no STATE sponsored religion, not that the country would not be based upon a religion as half the USA peoples were religious Christian REFUGEES from the Catholic priests and the state religions of France, UK, Germany, Sweden, etc.

[@lizp5004]

That image of the flag was replicated on the rubble of 'ground zero', when firefighters raised our flag _immediately_ after 9/11

[@JH-yd5kc]

And Iwo Jima

[@user-or1ye3iz6d]

❤️

[@NumquamDeorsum]

Me and my team flew that same flag over Baghdad and then returned it to the NYFD.

[@PWNHUB]

The story of the flag brings a tear to my eye every time. Mind you the sentiment of the flag came from being originally British colony, we knew the significance of such a symbol. Now imagine being of the Jewish people in WWII and seeing those stars and bars entering a camp to liberate. The U.S. flag has more power than our weaponry.

[@stacybaldwin3346]

Stars and stripes. The stars and bars is a reference to the original Confederate flag.

[@meghanschuler4739]

There are a ton of stories about ppl who escaped whatever war or whatever situation and the moment they saw the American flag patch or flag they knew they were safe. Like there are quite a few stories about ppl escaping north Korea and the moment they saw an American military member they knew they were safe and would hug them or cry or whatever. Or crossing the dmz (north korea/south Korea border). Or jews who escaped and ran into Americans and felt immediate relief, bc even if they were still in danger, they knew we'd proudly sacrifice our lives to protect them. Just some great American love stories from all over the planet for all different kinds of reasons.

[@jaychannel7885]

Aye wtf. I watch your apex vids😂

[@purepack]

Yup

[@jaychannel7885]

@Richard Rivera half of that is because Americas government is corrupt as hell. But you cant really blame Germany's treatment of the Jewish on America, because slavery(based on skin color) started in spain. And slavery in general started in ancient Mesopotamia

[@themisfitbrigade]

Being a 3rd generation Marine (among a large military family) this anthem and the flag are just as dear to me as my family and my faith in God. Makes me angry and sad when I see people disrespecting them because they are lied to so they hate them.

[@abby2051]

Thank you for your service, may God bless you.

[@alexandrabelloso2176]

This is gonna sound weird, but even tho I'm not from the US, after living there for years and learning all about its history, I actually felt the anthem whenever they played it. The integrity and strength it took for that anthem to be made is truly remarkable.

[@dodiehoyt3557]

You took the time to learn the history, & you lived here. That makes you American in my book.

[@alexandrabelloso2176]

@@dodiehoyt3557 Damn, after having some bad experiences for NOT being American.. that is a really nice thing to say, thank you. I needed that. Lmao I'm emotional now. Wish I had met more people like you❤

[@entityxaxa]

@@alexandrabelloso2176 I agree, your more American then most Americans. Most Americans dont even know how our government system passes bill/laws. They think the president can actually take guns. So from a American and a even prouder Texan. I am very appreciative of you learning of the history our good and bad because they all define us

[@alexandrabelloso2176]

@@entityxaxa No way, I lived in Texas too! And honestly, my favorite subject every year was always Texas/US history.

[@entityxaxa]

@@alexandrabelloso2176 Same. Im probably Biased with the Texas history but you'd be shocked how many Americans claim to be patriots but don't know what the battle of the Alamo was

[@colepeltier8472]

I'm ashamed to be an American that didn't know this story. I'm in tears. As a person who has no idea about his family history, I'm just now realizing that AMERICA is my heritage and I'm so happy to be an American. I'm devoting my free time to studying more about my family history. This history is what has gifted me the life I've had and I must honor the legacy by remembering, respecting, appreciating, and upholding the original values of freedom and liberty.

[@royvincent9250]

well said little sister God bless

[@sundayze]

after researching my genealogy i found no less than 10 ancestors who fought in the American Revolution, skads more in the Civil War, at least 3 who fought for Texas Independence, WWI and WWII and on and on. it also turns out, i'm 60-70% British/Irish/Welsh/Scottish. I'm so happy they got on the boat and came to America, the land of the free and the brave.

[@royvincent9250]

@@sundayze got mostly scottish and irish myself. according to dna test it says my family came from around cork south ireland

[@kellywhite9299]

Unfortunately, the narrative of this story is completely wrong...

[@AB-these-handles-are-stupid]

This story is almost all fabricated. There is some truth. To it but most of it is wrong

[@captainra]

I was taught this story in school. Plus the flag is on display at the Smithsonian institution in Washington D.C.

[@ibrahimsamaila1687]

Same

[@peregrinfandomizer]

Oh, yes! I've seen the flag in D.C. It's *HUGE* , a lot bigger than what you'd expect.

[@gingersoja4284]

Yes. Not a dry eye on that day of the field trip to dc

[@Isaree1102]

I was taught it in school as well

[@rickyfever]

I never learned this in school

[@hunterfowler8322]

This video has given me flashbacks to tons of my life. I remember an old teacher of mine saying "America is not a society based on tyranny, it's a nation devoted to ending it." 'Merica!

[@CaseyinTexas]

I’m not yelling “America,” but the old soldier I am is quietly saluting a singing the song under my breath.

[@raven2795]

Bless you for your service! ❤️

[@volkunjun4882]

Caseyorourke Thank you for your service I unfortunately will never be able to serve however yelling 'merica or america or anything during the national anthem imho is disrespectful to all those who gave their lives to defend this nation and continue to do so. I just wish every American had the reverence for the anthem and the flag that you do

[@CaseyinTexas]

@@raven2795 thank you so much and bless you for your support

[@CaseyinTexas]

@@volkunjun4882 just watch the tv screen the next time they play the National Anthem at a sporting event and you can recognize us veterans. We tend to stand a little straighter, our salutes are stiffer and the respect in more noticeable in our eyes. But thank you and bless you for your support.

[@kaptynssirensong2357]

Hello sir. I’m an army brat of two vets. Thank you for your service, sacrifice and bravery. You did our country proud!

[@jedililou2178]

The flag was saved. It's still hanging in a memorial museum. I've never cried harder than when I saw it

[@demonicgaminginc.4746]

I wasn’t saying Murica but I was thinking about my dad who passed away in 9-11 he was a fire fighter not military but he still died serving his country. That phrase “I’ll die on our feet before I’ll live on my knees.” is a phrase he literally lived and died by. It is by far the most powerful American Phrase in our history, besides “I have a Dream.” And “A house divided cannot stand.”. I legitimately started tearing up when they started playing the song with the flag.

[@lori6115]

I am so sorry for your loss, and so thankful for your dad's service!!

[@nonjones2513]

Bless your dad for his service. Bless you for carrying on his memory.

[@erikb.8630]

Well, that dream hasn't come true yet and the house is definitely divided...

[@jettrodgers7821]

Cheers bro. Sorry for your loss. Bless your dad for his service. We will prevail.

[@jesusstout7450]

Thank you for your sacrifice

[@KaraDK]

In elementary school,we recited the pledge of allegiance to the flag every morning standing by our desks hand over our hearts. ❤️

[@rowdyrooster25]

Yes we sure did. It's a shame they don't now

[@brianmoore6724]

you guys made good on 9/11 when the Queen had this song played outside of Buckingham Palace to show the bond between the two.....you can view that moment on KZbin as well....I do every 9/11

[@biancham]

It’s insane to me that both the USA and Britain say were each other’s #1 allies. It makes sense but dang getting here is so crazy.

[@maciedixon3983]

I always watch that on 9/11 too.

[@cookieridergirl]

Yea. I only just found that out recently when it showed up in my recommended maybe a few days ago. Crazy

[@BigRyan505]

That was a moment that touched us here in the U.S. deeply. I'll never forget the outpouring from Britain.

[@pjsebera3]

Haven't seen that but I am sure it will make me cry because that is so wonderful of the queen to do that.

[@SaxRanger]

Fun fact, the Star Spangled Banner we sing as the National Anthem is only the first verse of a four verse poem.

[@erikb.8630]

And the other verses support slavery in America. There's a reason they only use the first

[@joshuagross3151]

@@erikb.8630 It decries enslavement _by tyranny,_ what're you on about?

[@Lvcian_Guardian]

@@joshuagross3151 Don't bother...some people just want to hate something because they've got nothing else to do. They aren't real Patriots anyways when they tote crap like that anyways...just an inbred idiot that should've been aborted as most of them feel it's meant to be anyways in THEIR lives since "Taking care of kids is so painful"

[@erikb.8630]

@@joshuagross3151" no refuge could save the hireling and slave from the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave" this was a threat to enslaved Africans. Also key described Black people as "A distinct and inferior race". I support the anthem and think it's be powerful, but the concealed history is also important

[@joshuagross3151]

@@erikb.8630 Wrong. That's a slight on the Colonial Marines, a group of freedmen and ex-slaves, "hired" and trained by the British Navy to capture and ironically enslave American colonial ships, civilian, merchant and military alike. It's a simple statement too: "We'll kill you for what you've done." On another note, I find it interesting you thought only of Africans when the mention of slaves came about. They weren't the only race in chains, you understand.

[@nickletcher1189]

I'll echo all those that said this video made them emotional. We're crying out of love of the flag, and pride in this country, and gratitude in the sacrifices of those who came before us.

[@jwclifton1990]

It's amazing how The Star Spangled Banner can bring people to tears even today...

[@dodiehoyt3557]

You are most welcome to speak for me with this statement

[@willdwyer6782]

What about the sacrifices of the fugitive slaves who were promised their freedom if they would fight for the British? In the third stanza of his poem, Francis Scott Key celebrates their murder. Key was an unethical lawyer who represented American slave owners and used his position as US Attorney for Washington DC to prosecute abolitionists.

[@godstoslaves]

Yeah 100 Million Native Americans, 50 Million Africans and all their babies and children were sacraficed. They indeed sacraficed a lot so Europeans could later white wash history and make Bullshit videos about how America was founded on "Freedom" when in fact is was literally founded on stolen land, mass murder and slave labor. LOL

[@dallasbishop6519]

@@godstoslaves care to unpack those numbers? Or are you so indebted to your ignorance that you will spout nonsense at any chance given? What country is it you would recommend the USA model itself after? The one free of sin of course? Surely your vast knowledge of history will give a dandy of an answer. How did the vast majority of the indigenous die btw? I mean that might add some context to your ignorance.

[@antonioiniguez1615]

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it on to our children in the bloodstream. The only way they can inherit the freedom we have known is if we fight for it, protect it, defend it, and then hand it to them with the well fought lessons of how they in their lifetime must do the same." -Ronald Reagan

[@Areullekino]

Yep

[@shalonsmith3653]

Well my grandparents sure didn’t have any freedoms growing up. Hell black Americans have only had full freedoms for about 57 years now.

[@commonsense1383]

@@shalonsmith3653 Many black Africans, North Koreans, Cubans, and Russians STILL don't have freedoms. Your grandparents, like the quote states, had to fight for what little freedoms they got. And my grandparents (who were share-croppers) also didn't have many freedoms, but had to fight for theirs. Freedom isn't free.

[@mayflowerson1]

Wow so well said. Must be the LORD

[@raefrommn4914]

No “‘Merica”. Standing tall and strong with my hand over my heart and tears in my eyes. I am so proud of the country I live in. We definitely have our faults and get things wrong repeatedly, but this is my home, my country, and my flag.

[@aprilrichelle.18]

AMEN!!!🤍

[@maemarie3926]

Same. I was literally in tears when he paused the video to say if youre american tell me if you're saying merica! Like, no bro.. I'm balling. I got kind of pissed that he wasnt understanding the meaning behind the anthem and how powerful it is.

[@zzyyxx100]

I agree 100% we definitely have our faults. But to those who want to talk bad about America that are here in America I say to you: if you're not rooting for the home team get to hell out of the stadium!! South Park

[@pdxripjaw]

"If this is true, this is INSANE" Yes, that's what the admiral said too. Yet here we stand.

[@JohnLeePettimoreIII]

it isn't true. sanity maintained.

[@garionfan1]

It’s 2am and I am standing in my room with my hand over my heart and singing the National Anthem as good as I can choked up with tears running down my face. God bless the USA 🇺🇸 and may our country once again be worthy of that blessing.🙏

[@DSiren]

There is more to a nation than it's government, especially one like ours. We were an experiment, that evidently has gone well. A nation with a work ethic and ambition great enough to send us to the top of the international food chain. The collapse we see today in America's society is because that ambition and work ethic is being lost. Spoiled children, idealism based on theoreticals, and some unexplainable illogical sense of guilt for that which no living American has committed are tearing apart the fabric of our nation - the shared identity we used to have. I believe Powell called it "affluenza - the illness of a community becoming too affluent and successful to tolerate adversity". We need a common source of adversity, and one which the tribalists can't blame each other for. Without that, we're in for at least a generation of societal unrest. Get a gun, the moment you realize you need one it will be too late to get one - take it from a Kenosha resident.

[@mr.salvatorejpluchino8467]

IT WILL TRUST ME IT WILL

[@wilsonwarner6903]

Yes

[@curlyfries2956]

Same

[@garionfan1]

@@DSiren I absolutely agree!

[@daltonv5206]

"how the hell is it still standing" Middle finger slowly rises over the ramparts

[@justinreaser8268]

Lol 💯

[@zzyyxx100]

LOL...I LOVE IT!!!

[@OurBucketListHasHoles]

👍ABSOLUTLY

[@MrIndirect1]

I literally started to tear up as soon as our national anthem began playing and I began singing along. That flag shall NEVER touch the ground. Semper Fi!

[@josiahmccallister3150]

I’m laughing 😆

[@MrIndirect1]

@@josiahmccallister3150 Good! Enjoy your life!

[@edder7157]

@@josiahmccallister3150 : laughing? You have no conviction, no honor. You are weak and pathetic. I pity you.

[@kennethtireman4015]

Semper fi brother! I would die for our flag as if I had already taken my last rights...it is a symbol of freedom, courage, and honor. Anyone that dares to harm her shall have a fight on their hands of the likes of which they have never fathomed. Ooorraaahh!

[@MrIndirect1]

@@kennethtireman4015 Oooraah, devil!!

[@jop4649]

I recently watched the opening ceremony of the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. In the ceremony, they brought out the American flag that was at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. When listening to the National Anthem, looking at the torn flag, not knowing the full story of the Star Spangled Banner; I realized in that moment that the song was about the flag. No matter the ups and owns that America has gone through, our flag was still there.

[@katiecampbell1905]

This would be a good video to react to!!

[@kimberlyhicks3644]

One of our first National Anthems is "Our Country Tis of Thee." You would be able to sing it well as it has the exact same melody as "God Save the Queen".

[@Isaree1102]

@@kimberlyhicks3644 I remember the first time I heard God Save the Queen. I was so very confused until my mom explained it to me.

[@beegee1960]

@@kimberlyhicks3644 This was never a national Anthony. It is a patriotic song. There are many.

[@upmperthay]

Where's the time machine?...

[@zakkrager8844]

Im a 17 year old, just enlisted into the US military. I can say that if you dont feel a sense of pride, and patriotism then you my friend are no American. This story will always shed a tear. My the fallen be never forgotten.

[@royvincent9250]

thank you young man i joined in 1982 also at 17 God bless you

[@zakkrager8844]

@@royvincent9250 I will always be thankful for you sacrifice and your bravery. You earn my utmost respect.

[@kimmycupreacts]

Thank you for your service.

[@royvincent9250]

@@kimmycupreacts thanks are never expected i simply did my duty to my country as my family allways has, Freedom has never been free but for some of us we are willing to pay that price gladly if it keep freedom for my family

[@lifeorliberty3086]

Sounds like your a real American. Thank you for your future service. May God keep his hand on you and I wish you the best of luck.

[@justanothermichigander4683]

I’m a history major who’s been born and raised in America my whole life. I’ve never heard this story before. This was beautiful and gave me a whole new appreciation for this land I love so much

[@JustMe-dc6ks]

Really? Well don’t go by this video, get to a library. The broad strokes are true: Went to negotiate a prisoner release. Had to wait through one last battle (War of 1812, not the Revolution) before their release. The fort refused to surrender and made it through the night. Poem relays the prisoners below decks asking him, after the shelling has stopped, what the outcome was. There were no massive casualties and the outcome wasn’t miraculous, the British guns were too far away to do much damage to the fort unless they got lucky. Probably because the fort had bigger guns which made getting too close a bad idea. The preacher embellished because he has a culture war ax to grind in support of shallow, jingoistic pseudo patriotism and conformity against the liberals who support the values of individual rights that actually made America great.

[@samarahroth7251]

Yo how does a history major not cover multiple narratives? What are they teaching in those colleges?! Ps. This is meant to be funny, read in joking voice

[@JohnLeePettimoreIII]

@@JustMe-dc6ks thank you for helping me represent a desire for truth.

[@crystalrose8229]

Hand is over my heart and tears softly flowing out of my eyes. I'm a proud American Texan! God and Country! It's a reverend respect.

[@puffythecampfireplayer6143]

This brought me to tears 😭 I’ve never heard this before. I now have a deeper respect for America and my inner warrior is ready to surface and fight for our freedom! I’m a Canadian shouting “freedom for America forever!” 🇺🇸

[@andreaviola8675]

Freedom for every oppressed people. The world is watching and my belief is if we fight they will fight too.

[@ThatHomelessScrubbalo]

yet our government is shitting on it today... changing color to black and white with a blue line...

[@andreaviola8675]

@@ThatHomelessScrubbaloLOL pathetic...if you don't want police you need to realize things may not go as you think in that socialist bubble of dystopia.

[@Thorfinn_Son_Of_Thors]

@@ThatHomelessScrubbalo Like how the Firefighters have a Thin Red Line, and the EMS/Dispatchers has Gold. And Military and Conservation has green. They are colors that represent differenr emergency services. Learn about them a bit before you say "Hurr, racist cop is racist."

[@erikb.8630]

@@Thorfinn_Son_Of_Thors The anthem itself supports slavery. Have you read the whole poem? Also, it's not about getting rid of the police. It's about reforming policing. When one in three black men go to jail or prison sometime in their lives, you know something is wrong.

[@TwistedSisler]

British Admiral: "Your people are insane." Thurston: "Is this true? If it is then this is insane!" Hey at least the British reaction to this is consistent :D

[@vision-dz6cm]

Slight correction. The Star Spangled Banner was actually written during the War of 1812, not the American Revolution. It's a common mistake.

[@pilotboy3328]

Correct. And I believe it was Fort McHenry, not Fort Henry.

[@ec7005]

@@pilotboy3328 yes

[@pilotboy3328]

@@ec7005 Francis Scott Key and the British Admiral kept referring to the Colonies. This was in 1812 and they were States. The flag had 15 stars to represent the States but by 1812 there were 19 States in the Union. FSK write the Star-Spangled Banner as a poem, not a song. It became our national anthem in1933.

[@DOUGLAS55ish]

I can't understand how anyone could be confused. The War of 1812 was 30 years after the Revolution was won.

[@jedclampett7705]

And it wasn’t an ocean. It was OUR Chesapeake Bay.

[@HistoryNerd808]

Another reason we are super patriotic, in my opinion, is that we're really the only nation in the world founded on an idea, rather than simply history or geography. The flag to many of us is a symbol of those founding ideals that we strive toward but often haven't reached.

[@peregrinfandomizer]

Wow, couldn't have said that better myself. Incredible poetic.

[@MrAnimason]

I think that's why the Cold War was so terrifying. Both the superpowers were founded on ideas, and they would not allow the soul of their nations to to be beaten by that other idea.

[@rafetizer]

we truly are gods among men

[@goldenageofdinosaurs7192]

Animason I don’t know. The Russians allowed 25 million deaths. We wet our pants like little girls at anything over about 30,000 casualties. You really think we would’ve lost 5 million for WWII? We would’ve sued for peace at a million. I see a lot of talk, but I’ve seen other countries with far more will.

[@elmercox1035]

@@goldenageofdinosaurs7192 The Russians had no choice in the matter.

[@user-bg6qr9mh3i]

Not even American , but the story is so damn powerful

[@burntygamingy6235]

Fr

[@JohnLeePettimoreIII]

powerful, but this speech is about 95% fiction.

[@spiderdude2099]

The Whole song and lyrics essentially boil down to “can you still see the flag? Yep, there it is, they haven’t given up even through the battle and explosions it’s still there, they aren’t giving up”

[@teemarie5478]

❤️🇺🇸

[@somedudewatchintv5297]

Also those slaves are screwed for turning against us but we don't sing that part anymore.

[@williamofblue933]

​@@somedudewatchintv5297 They almost tricked me into thinking the same thing but let me break down the english for you (english is hard sometimes). The entire third stanza goes as follows: "And where is that band who so vauntingly swore, That the havoc of war and the battle’s confusion A home and a Country should leave us no more? Their blood has wash’d out their foul footstep’s pollution. No refuge could save the hireling and slave From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave, And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave." Who vauntingly swore ?(American patriots.) Who's foul footsteps? (Tyrants whom wish to enslave all mankind, namely the British at the time.) Who are the hireling and slave? (Hireling would be mercenaries and slave the subjects of the crown.) General idea: American blood was spent washing away the sin of tyranny, and those slaves which the crown calls subjects and those mercenaries that rise against us and our freedom will be defeated.

[@somedudewatchintv5297]

@@williamofblue933 If the slaves would be just subjects or former subjects why say nothing will save them from dying and rotting in a grave?

[@williamofblue933]

@@somedudewatchintv5297 Because at the time (the War of 1812), those subjects where fighting to take back America for the crown. Basically, if you have chosen to fight and try to take our freedom, then you have chosen death.

[@NativeNYerChicHK]

What’s even crazier about it all, is that it was indeed their very own former English countrymen that stood so strongly against the king’s army to hold that flag up.

[@kathyp1563]

This took place during The War of 1812. We'd been a country for 30 years when King George III decided he wanted us back. I like it when our anthem is sung soft like this. Often the singer gets all wrapped up in their own singing abilities...trying to show off. But, our's is one of the few anthems that tell a story. A story of triumph in perseverance & endurance. I like when I can dwell on the words & feel the meaning. After 9/11, many of us gathered around flag polls & sung our anthem with tears streaming down our faces. The words reminding us that our flag still flies regardless of how we are attacked.

[@granta3044]

And the guy who wrote the song for the white folk fighting for the stolen land would not appreciate all the used to be slaves standing up for his song today. George Washington had slaves , he did good, but he was also rasict as ish, meaning he was also very bad. There are always more sides to a historical event than one. Scott key was a rasict, he owned slaves and even used the word "slave" in the third verse of the song.

[@Its_Gangsta_Bob]

Buddy the war of 1812 wasn't over Britain trying to reclaim the states

[@kathyp1563]

@@Its_Gangsta_Bob OK. So, with that comment I had to look it up. Our history might be "short" but there is so much compact into that short time period. It's easy to forget or mix up things. Thanks!

[@bigbake132]

The US declared war on Britain and even invaded Canada!

[@Its_Gangsta_Bob]

@@granta3044 lol... these kinds of comments always makes me laugh. Such nonsense and hypocritical

[@MichaelScheele]

"Star Spangled Banner" refers to both the national anthem and the flag flown over Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore (War of 1812). It had 15 stars in the canton and 15 stripes. As the number of states continued to increase, the number of stripes reverted back to 13. Only the number of stars in the canton would increase. The words are from Key's poem, "Defence of Fort M'Henry" which he wrote on September 14, 1814. The music was written by a British composer as a drinking song, "To Anacreon in Heaven" (1773).

[@Dante1920]

Whenever a British person next says that American patriotism is too intense, give em a quick reminder that it was the British who shaped it 🇺🇸

[@yashar6595]

Exactly, same with Guns in America, it all dates back to the fact the British were confiscating property, taking peoples homes, and there was nothing the colonists could do, then America didnt have a real military till the 1900s that was a standing army, meaning people had to defend themselves

[@rafetizer]

@@yashar6595 And we all know popping over to America to confiscate property makes you a bad person. Just ask the Natives, if you can locate their meager parcels of leftovers that we herded them into.

[@yashar6595]

@@rafetizer Didn't say anything about the Americans being right, i was explaining why gun ownership has a long history, if you want to infer something to start a fight, pick someone else's comment, bye

[@rafetizer]

@@yashar6595 A fair point, though you did agree with the initial comment ("exactly"), which is basically blaming modern "patriotism" on someone else.

[@joeshii1123]

@@rafetizer can you just shut up 😐

[@javajolt9252]

Thank You for this reaction. I'm a Vietnam veteran, and I'll be 73 on Dec. 17, and still weep and fill with pride when I hear the "Star Spangled Banner". I so love hearing people from other countries see this and learn exactly what that Flag means to Americans and the high price we have paid and continue to pay for our freedom and our way of life. There is a saying that our flag doesn't wave because of the wind that blows but with the last breath of those who died defending it and this country. That flag still exists and is in the National History Museum of the Smithsonian. Thank you for watching the story of our beautiful flag God bless you and God bless America the land I love so dearly! Remember: Freedom is NOT Free!

[@karlamaeder4691]

I am so happy you did this reaction. A lot of people around the world have NO IDEA any of the history behind our flag. This is exactly why we are so proud and protective of it. That flag represents everything this country has worked so hard to achieve in our short time. And yes, the narrator did add a bit of embellishment, but it is a very true story.

[@ZeSgtSchultz]

Apparently there were no prisoners on the ships, and only 4 Americans died at the fort, 25 wounded. So I doubt a stack of bodies held up the flag.

[@ZeSgtSchultz]

Goddamn tho it's an amazing story

[@easein]

@@ZeSgtSchultz You read that on VICE, or just making shit up?

[@MrVvulf]

@@easein Just do a google search about it. Use the word accuracy. The facts presented in the video are 90% made up for dramatic effect.

[@ZeSgtSchultz]

@@easein no I just looked it up myself. Its still an awesome story. But when it got to the part about the flag being held up by dead bodies I had to look it up myself.

[@gullywumper8025]

im holding my hand over my heart thanking the lord that those men and women sacrificed so much for me to be free

[@klausjackklaus]

as a kid i had mesocardia (when i was born my heart was under the sternum not to the left side as supposed to and caused a pneumothorax) so up until it settled at like 12-14 i would always lay and shake to the wrong side so i could "place my hand on my heart" and be a smartass to the teacher that my heart can move to the other side

[@carmenyeatts7601]

I’ll admit I don’t remember ever being taught the history and meaning behind this song until I was in middle school, and my choir teacher told my choir class about it and broke down in tears as he did.

[@pedals4show764]

I cry every time the anthem is played live at every event I’ve ever attended in my life and as an American representative of my sport. Tears of pride every time

[@gwennahedden8485]

This story is true. I was told this history when I went it to the military and why to this day a soldier must never allow the flag to hit the ground. Respect for those who gave their lives in defiance to the British and our fight for freedom.

[@braxon]

This isn't really all that true. The battle happened, the Americans successfully resisted, but the details were very embellished.

[@Zrico91]

Yes sir. I did 3 months are fort hood 3rd core. A 50lb flag we lifted and brought down every day.

[@DGraham9721]

The part where Britain was trying to get the US back as a colony was wrong. They were fighting Napoleon at the time and we were the annoying brat getting in the way and stealing all the sea trade lines.

[@rebmosher5512]

@Devyn- "Brats"? The British and the French were keeping the Americans from freely trading and seizing American ships. The British navy was boarding American ships and forcefully impressing US citizens into the Royal navy.

[@DGraham9721]

@@rebmosher5512 It was a joke a bit of sarcasm. I know exactly what got us into the war otherwise I wouldn’t be able to call myself a American History major. Impressment caused a lot of animosity towards the British. It helped get us into the war of 1812. We did try to take the trading lines which put American citizens at risk. There were several cases of British citizens getting on a American ship to escape from fighting. This caused the impressment of our sailors. They’d be like oh we lost our doctor so we’ll just take yours. It was in term a “shopping spree” (again a joke)

[@morganmadsen8538]

Being an American this video made me emotional! Anytime I hear it, it brings tears to my eyes!!! Thanks for sharing!

[@jamesdooley3870]

same

[@JohnLitzenberger]

Same here

[@pamjarvis2771]

I do feel same my fellow Americans!

[@myrevival4325]

Me, too

[@samanthacharlton4123]

😭 Same. I'm weeping

[@fpeterlaskey332]

As an American it always brings tears to my eyes. And my mother was from England and loved this country as much as her own homeland.

[@mollydunn7646]

I never knew the story behind the song now it all makes sense, now I can understand why you have your flags flying , this was amazing.

[@JohnLeePettimoreIII]

the speech was 95% fiction.

[@patmiles4084]

this is exactly why Americans are afraid no other country. I cry every time I hear this song, the pride patriots feel is so strong we totally get wrapped up in the song.

[@mystictailsfarmga]

I'm crying because this is not how many Americans know or treat our flag. Its such a shame that most young Americans don't realize the sacrifice our founding fathers and warriors did for our freedom and liberties of the USA. But, more Americans do know and is why we continue the fight for freedom each and every day. God Bless America!

[@kumstane8128]

I'm 25 and my children will know how important our flag is and what it represents. The American dream should be avaliable to everyone.

[@josiahmccallister3150]

Man you are such an American exceptionalism simp 😂 they fought for the freedom to say what you want and protest how you please even if it is protest AGAINST the country the flag represents. It’s a paradox in which the flag represents the individual freedoms of those living under it to defy it without penalty or persecution.

[@msdarby515]

@@josiahmccallister3150 recognizing the sacrifice it took to create this nation does not make anyone a "simp", but your unnecessary attack makes you an ass. You could have made your point without the personal attack and then I may have respected it. Instead I see a comment from a jerk and I gave it zero credit after that.

[@jreyman]

Sadly, even if young people do know, most don't care. Our schools, in part, have indoctrinated them to idolize Socialism, and that America must be transformed.

[@mitchellmiller6644]

@@josiahmccallister3150 you can protest all you won't leave then flag alone simple as that burn the flag in front of those vets who give you those rights and see how well it works out for you

[@2shadesofgray752]

This song isn't ment to be screamed by some pop star in a stadium. It's meant to be sung softly into the night, overlooking a fort illuminated by the flames of a war for liberty.

[@midgetydeath]

I dunno, it goes pretty darn well with heavy metal. True American music for a True American prayer.

[@jamesoverholt878]

Counterpoint....Hendrix's version from Woodstock.

[@granta3044]

And the singers according to the guy who wrote it would have to be white

[@MrBarbjhix]

This song was meant to be sung loud, proud and with the words clearly spoken. Whitney Houston is the most iconic sung version I can think of. Hendrix's was beyond amazing with his guitar rendition, and I'm not mad at it.

[@granta3044]

@@JustTanya. the song is decent but the guy who wrote it could have been better, the tune borrowed from the uk was commonly used, the third verse isn't even allowed to be sung anymore cause scott key got violated by a group of black freed men. Haha it's a pretty funny story actually.

[@eudo1898]

I am not an American but every time I hear this song it bring tears to my eyes having understood the history behind the song.. Oh what sacrifice and devotion for one's country, God bless America!!!!

[@hunterhotch9720]

“I’d rather die on my feet than live on my knees” MURICA!!!!!! 💪

[@MWakefield82]

Amen!

[@a-terrible-fate532]

Damn straight!

[@saltyark7564]

We need more Americans who live by this.

[@Angel-tw3ko]

I'd rather stay on my knees praying to God in this perilous times

[@queencerseilannister3519]

@@Angel-tw3ko Good luck with that.

[@Soulfulone1025]

In elementary every morning we would sing our national anthem with our right hand over our heart.

[@Americans4Israel4Ever]

For all Brits who find American patriotism annoying, you should watch this video.

[@robvegart]

Admiral Cochrane was the admiral whom was in charge of the fleet that shelled Fort McHenry. The men dying at the hands of the shelling is a very true story. They held it up to give hope and faith to those captured, those fighting, those facing the uncertainty of what might befall them as well as family.

[@JohnLeePettimoreIII]

the 4 that died?

[@cattique1]

Just crying with tears of great pride of our Patriotic fathers and families who fought for our freedom. I have never forgotten their sacrifice. Sad at the world we live in today, with such UnAmerican disrespect shown by some of its citizens.

[@canyon50]

At this point I feel like this dude knows more about U.S. History and culture than most u.s. citizens.

[@10Tkjr]

Sad but true. This is why they are trying to take this out of schools.

[@brandonhill2183]

They teach less and less US history in public school now a days

[@monkeymunchie9717]

@@brandonhill2183 sadly that seem yhe case now

[@meganlynn83]

Most likely! It's a damn shame. My son's last day of 5th grade is actually today and I am VERY pleased with his schooling. (Public school.) He has learned a lot about History thus far and I will continue to watch his lesson plans to ensure he is TRULY educated on U.S. History. My son has walked down hallway in our home, passed a framed United States Constitution, Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights & President's Paper, his entire life. If school doesn't teach him something, I will. It's our, 'History Hallway.' ❤

[@dwm5150]

Sadly, I believe that you are correct. I’ve been pushing the original video, on my family and friends to watch the original, and then I’m going to share with my family and friends, how other countries people feel when listening and watching this video. My main quest is to re-educate my fellow American 🇺🇸 citizens to understand how so very precious our Country’s anthem and spark ⚡️ them to go back and study our Country’s history. It’s both good and bad. It’s ours and we must remember everything and own it.

[@jentoby73]

Merica! Yes, I was taught this story (though this version is pretty embellished). The basics are true. A key detail missing is this was during the War of 1812 with the British after we'd been an independent country for a couple of decades, not during the Revolutionary War. I think it gives it even more significance because if we'd lost that war, we would have lost are already hard fought for independence. But, yes no hard feelings. I think our two countries have such a good relationship because we have so much in common. And bygones are bygones. This was quite a while ago ;)

[@jenniferh3479]

A couple hundred years isn't very long in British history, but it is very far back in American history.

[@Kjf365]

@@jenniferh3479 "To the English a hundred miles is a long way, to the Americans a hundred years is a long time." -someone important probably

[@adm6785]

This story is absolutely true, and what we USED to be taught in school. Why The Pledge of Allegience and the history of what happened back then was removed from the school system is a big reason why we have the problems we do today. Now you know why burning the flag and taking a knee is so repulsive to those of us who know what that flag represents.

[@melissaglantz481]

The pledge was not removed from all schools, it's still taught and recited in NY, along with the meaning behind the narltional anthem. Don't think your bad school system is the same everywhere. And you can teach your kids anything that isn't covered in school, so there are no excuses for ignorance.

[@adm6785]

@@melissaglantz481 The Pledge of Allegiance taught in the New York school system? Public school system? That stopped when Obama implemented common core. That makes you a friggen liar!

[@JohnLeePettimoreIII]

this story is absolute fiction. the speaker fabricated, misrepresented, or exaggerated about 95% of what he said. if you're interested in history, i encourage you to visit a library and dig for the facts yourself.

[@JohnLeePettimoreIII]

@@adm6785 a president doesn't make those decisions. sorry to bust your bubble. wait... no, i'm not sorry.

[@adm6785]

@@JohnLeePettimoreIII Did I say the President made that decision? Sorry to burst YOUR bubble, but I didn't.....nah, not sorry either..🙄

[@dravenwolvesbarrow5193]

My parents are older, they told me this story when I was kid. A lot of younger people aren't taught the importance of what that little flag represents.

[@twooharmony2000]

This? Story...about winning and Francis Scott Key there during the fight and the flag was still there.?. Which of the details that the narrator mentioned did they mention, one might wonder.-Ernie Moore Jr.

[@JuanRamirez-xh3kc]

We use to get taught these kind of things in school when I was a kid, seems like they are trying to stamp out reverence and patriotism these days but our flag still flies... and it always will.

[@jlc1026]

I guess it’s up to us, the parents then, to make sure this story lives on. SO important that they know this history and keep it alive!

[@narnia1233]

I honestly don’t think it will always fly, but at the very least I am happy that Christians did form a free nation respecting God. And got better over time (ended slavery). It’s just so sad that we’re now turning away from God it seems to me. And it seems like a lot of people actually have anger towards God in their heart. But, we’re extremely blessed and when we believed we achieved the impossible.

[@annpachini2155]

When I was in school we were taught this as well as flag etiquette. If you don’t know the do’s and don’t google flag etiquette. One thing you won’t see (if etiquette is followed) the flag being dipped before a person. The flag is always carried upright

[@ASMRyouVEGANyet]

@@narnia1233 this country was not founded as a Christian nation. This is a common misconception. Many od the founding fathers were simply deists or agnostics, but mot Christian. You need to check out the "Freedom From Religion Foundation" and learn more about the history of this country. And read the book “The Founding Myth: Why Christian Nationalism Is Un-American" But you probably wont since it'll throw your world upside down.

[@narnia1233]

@@ASMRyouVEGANyet A deist back then would be a Christian though, to be honest, because that was and still is the prevalent faith in the US (unless you consider atheism a faith). Obviously today we have a lot more different faiths but if you’re being honest about the past the main faith here was Christianity. I do agree that back then there were many people who were atheists too. And it wouldn’t surprise me if several founders were atheists or agnostic (but were leaning towards Christianity). But, I don’t think you’d be honest in saying that none of the founders or leaders were Christians. To be honest, we have the words “under God” in our constitution, so it’s obvious the founders weren’t all atheists. I don’t see why you’re so keen to erase Christians from history. To the point that you say they were deists, but refuse to say what God they worshipped. Do you really think their deity was anything other than the God of the Bible?

[@melissaisloud7404]

Old Glory fills my heart every time I see her. The anthem swells in my chest like the last breath of every American soldier who perished for my freedom. I love those Soldiers. I love the Star Spangled Banner. I love my flag. I LOVE MY COUNTRY! God Bless America!

[@Lindsay-nx5sv]

The Flag is a member of the family.

[@SuperDrLisa]

American and proud of it.

[@Ed70Nova427]

That's the way to say it! America! wtf those calling it merica? Thumbs up to you Lissa! EDIT: Thumbs up to you Lisa! Thumbs up to you Lindsay

[@larry5272]

God bless America!

[@SisterImawhosoever]

Beautifully said

[@queenofchaos8141]

Believe it the flag is still in the Smithsonian, we have a monument to this day, and where I live dropping a flag is illegal. You literally have to take it to the city or state to be burned.

[@kimlersue]

King George lll after giving up on the "colonies" decided that was an error...so he came back to retake it 31 years later. He lost again. This story is largely very true! Most don't realize we fought England TWICE to keep this free nation.

[@Its_Gangsta_Bob]

My guy we declared war on the British in 1812 they were violating American sovereignty by boarding and taking sailors cause they were fighting a massive global scale type war against France they had no intentions of conquering the US Once France was finally defeated they stopped and peace treaty followed

[@kimlersue]

@Alexi marchenko OK..I was mistaken..we did declare war. But I correctly remembered why. I'm quoting the : Skirmishes with Native Americans and British soldiers on the northwestern border of the U.S. Export and import restrictions between the U.S. and Great Britain during the Napoleonic Wars hurt the American economy The practice during the Napoleonic Wars of the British Navy accosting American merchant ships and seizing alleged deserters who were actually U.S. citizens.

[@stephenkammerling9479]

@@kimlersue Concerning British seizing people at sea during war, that was a common stupid thing countries did during war. Early in Civil War union(US actually) navy seized some Confederate soldiers from a British ship. British complained loudly. Lincoln had the Confederates released and put a stop to that stupid activity, saying "One war at a time boys."

[@kimlersue]

@@stephenkammerling9479 And your point would be?

[@stephenkammerling9479]

@@Its_Gangsta_Bob You made the most sensible comment of anybody. Ironically, right before war the British agreed to stop impressing Americans at sea, but that message didn't get to US in time, or more cynically, the Americans rejected it because they had gotten very excited about seizing Canada. After Fort Mchenry in Sept,1814, peace talks heated up with agreement coming in December of that year. NO territory exchanged hands, and British thought they had finally defeated Napoleon(wrong, Napokeon escaped from exile and British and Prussians finished him for good at Waterloo in June, 2015). British behavior at end of 1814 didn't appear to be an attempt to regain former colonies. If anything, it looked like a country desperate for peace after about 20 years of almost continual war. With Napoleon apparently being defeated once and for all, the British had the full might of their military at their disposal if they wanted to retake the "colonies."

[@nardosarts]

As much i complain about this country this song always makes my eyes watery

[@iceblaze3043]

I felt the same way. I have to keep hoping for America no matter who is in power.

[@RussellDale6019]

SMDH

[@user-vd2jk7dl3p]

It's fashionable today to hate on our own country that we have forgotten all of the really amazing things about it. We should know the GOOD and the bad. If all we ever hear is bad then how are we to complain that no one cares anymore and it's going to crap? We have to show the reasons why this is a special place worth fighting for and caring about. I am super passionate about teaching the black founding fathers in my class. My black students are being told everywhere that they turn that they have no real connection to this place and it was founded upon their oppression. I want them to know that is a lie and men and women who looked like them were part of the founding and this country. This is their country and home too.

[@kellinad2369]

Me too!!!!!!

[@iceblaze3043]

@@user-vd2jk7dl3p I agree. I believe we are all one race anyway we are all humans and have infinite value because we're made in the image of God. A wise lioness from lion king 2 once said. Them, Us they are us what differences do you see. The media and politicians try to drive us apart because it gives them control. The best way to make a better country isn't a politician it is what you said you were doing. Creating unity, peace, and respect. I don't trust a single politician and I never will, but I do pray they would be granted wisdom.

[@kaylaallen5598]

I was taught this in school and remember a painting depicting the people holding up the flag with bodies around them

[@carsond7214]

I remember it too, they were standing on a pile of bodies with the man holding it barely keeping it up

[@LibbyCee17]

My right hand instinctively went over my heart when the words to our banner began! I literally have tears running down my face! ❤️ 🇺🇸

[@fosterkline4570]

As an american we were taught about this and as for the story of what happened that night there were references from several peoples journals verifying what went on that night

[@Delphgirl]

You should listen to Johnny Cash’s song called “Old Ragged Flag” that is a song about our flag..

[@ashdav9980]

Yes! Love that song and Johnny Cash! He sang it right!

[@JamiIsIt123]

Yes! The Superbowl 53 version. They accompany the song with a really moving tribute.

[@saritobarim31]

I cant, unless I WANT a good cry.

[@wsburnett]

This story is built on a true incident, but us incredibly embellished. Interesting fact missing is that Key didn't write a song, he wrote a poem. The tune was from a British drinking song in that time. After Key shared his poem, they all sang the poem to that tune.

[@hannibal8526]

This embellished version maybe but the song was written because of a real event. That's not indoctrination but proud truth.

[@ashdav9980]

@Charlie Allen the “America bad” is old and boring...try somewhere else with your rambling mess of words. Also, try reading the constitution, the rights of citizens come from God, not some men from 200 years ago, nor the jack a**es sitting in the white house today, or another nation that may want to see the US fall. Nobody can give you something for which Is not provided by man.

[@hannibal8526]

@Charlie Allen lol

[@hannibal8526]

@Charlie Allen I like how passionate you are about this. You need validation for your views? Or are you angry about the way your life has turned out so you’re blaming the constitution or corporations? You using text to speech makes it very hard to actually comprehend what your saying it’s funny to read either way so keep going. 🤣

[@hannibal8526]

@@ashdav9980 I completely agree with you our rights don’t come from government or man but from God. Also the “america bad” is getting old wish they would take the more nuanced view that American has done bad but more good.

[@michaelszczekot8920]

Thank you for doing this and being respectful. I knew the story from school but I still tear up at the sacrifice every time I hear it

[@JohnLeePettimoreIII]

the sacrifices in this story, or the actual ones?

[@oricouldjustnot]

me: casually standing in the middle of an empty room in a bathrobe with my hand over my heart singing the national anthem.

[@bracejuice7955]

It’s kinda odd that this video refers to “the colonies” and “the mother country” when the war of 1812 was about 30 years after independence. Also Fort McHenry was definitely a military fortification, built with the express purpose of defending Baltimore harbor.

[@tophers3756]

The guy telling the story is likely a right-wing Christian nationalist. The comment about American Christians and the "amens" from the (probably church) audience are a big giveaway.

[@keva3336]

The war of 1812 is also known as “the second war of independence”

[@V0liathon]

@@tophers3756 so any Christian?

[@tophers3756]

@@V0liathon I'm an atheist, but my daughter is a Christian. She nothing like that.

[@V0liathon]

@@tophers3756 most Christians are nationalist and right wing. This guys sounds like an evangelical giving a sermon on Flag day tho

[@ZolFox]

Recently my boyfriend found out through one of those DNA testing things that he’s actually related to Francis Scott Key, the guy who wrote the National Anthem. So yeah...I thought that was pretty cool.

[@MrKirua21]

So your boyfriend is related to a racist piece of shit yeahhhhh ; -) Ps: Fuck "the" national anthem and fuck francis scott key.

[@maxdevlin9091]

@@MrKirua21 what is wrong with you? The National Anthem does not have anything to do with race, it’s supposed to be an anthem showing that all Americans are one and are united. Even in the torn country we are in nowadays we should respect our National Anthem, as that represents our country’s hardships; and how our country is still united after all we’ve been through. Not everything has to do with race, shame on you.

[@labhrais6957]

That's awesome. I've been working on my ansestry too. I'm 95% English af. And 100% American.

[@elkins4406]

@@maxdevlin9091 That was really rude, but I think he was referring to the verse that talks about all the slaves being killed.

[@whoishim2998]

@@MrKirua21 yeah I’m kinda with you

[@terryrodriguez6209]

Keep in mind that a large majority of the Colonial people were British born. They were fighting for their independence from England.

[@JohnLeePettimoreIII]

we weren't colonies in 1812. we were an independent, internationally recognized, sovereign nation.

[@MichaelScheele]

The American patriotic song, "My Country 'Tis of Thee," is sung to the tune of "God Save the King".

[@hall911guy]

I watched the funeral of Prince Phillip last week and when the Royal band played “God Save The Queen,” I sung to myself, “My Country ‘Tis of Thee.”

[@hardluckhenry]

The music originally was british beer drinking song

[@MichaelScheele]

@@hardluckhenry, for the Star Spangled Banner? Yes. It's sung to the tune of "To Anacreon in Heaven", written in 1773. It was a drinking song. "God Save the King" is not based on a drinking song.

[@labhrais6957]

I always feel the urge to sing 'God save the Queen' at the end of that song every time. Smh I'm from USA as are my ansesters since the Mayflower 🤦

[@snowflakehunter]

@@MichaelScheele "My Country 'Tis of Thee" is sung to the melody of "God Save The Queen".

[@anthonykodaski6161]

I was not taught this story in school And we would not be shouting Merica we would say calmly God bless America with our hand over our hearts

[@erikchesner2250]

I'm not much a patriot at all but.... I am standing in my empty room hand on heart with eyes welled up with tears

[@andrewtm85]

That's how it started for me

[@junidfae5039]

If you are standing hand on heart with tears in your eyes... you are an American patriot. Yes, there are issues in our government and our country. But, with that being said, we do see what our forefathers when through to ensure that we were free. It is OUR responsibility to ensure t hat ALL Americans not only understand the sacrifice but also reap the rewards of them. In these challenging times where portions of our government seemingly is tearing down our democracy, it is more important than ever to remember the foundation that our founding fathers were looking to build upon. Did they know the issues regarding race, religion, sexual orientation, etc. would be well over 200 years in the future? NO, but they still laid out the foundation to ensure that eventually ALL Americans could be free and live their best lives.

[@ImAurelius]

This made me cry and i am sorry for those men and women and children who passed. Thank you for your service!

[@arkcantoscreampsnpc7274]

I wasn’t shouting USA but I did tear up a little . once you seen your brothers give their lives and limbs for that flag, it takes on a whole new meaning.

[@MichaelScheele]

Interesting factoid: the British use of Congreve Rockets (invented in 1804) to bombard Fort McHenry is immortalized in the line "and the rockets' red glare". "The bombs bursting in air" were mortar shells exploding over their targets.

[@Bacopa68]

Congreve rockets were used effectively against Copenhagen by Lord Nelson. Burned the place down for allying with Napoleon. Also, the rockets were based on designs from India.

[@ronclark9724]

One of the bombarding ships was recently found in northern Canada near Prince William Island of the lost Franklin expedition in the Royal Navy's attempt to discover the Northwest Passage... HMS Terror...

[@TheRapnep]

Most people who don't know the history of the song and just hear the words without really listening, think it's about America firing off their good 'old bombs again! But it's actually the British firing bombs at us! There is so much misunderstanding and misinformation about America and Americans and unfortunately, most of it is bad and it shapes how they think about us. Unfairly too. 🇺🇸

[@msdarby515]

Most of this is very inaccurate. There weren't 100s of British ships, possibly about 50, including support ships. Key was sent to arrange the release of one prisoner and watched the shelling from his sloop. The flag at Ft McHenry (not Henry... and it was a military fort) was barely touched. Oh, and it all happened during the war of 1812. But Key did write the poem after having watched the shelling...and it's beautiful.

[@cindadunham8615]

I am an older American. Unfortunately, many of our people really do not have any idea of truth of this story. But those of us who do know the price paid - yes, we do so respect our flag and what it stands for. Thank you so much for sharing this!

[@Rebel9668]

Luka, Thanks for reacting to this. As I said in another post, there are a few inaccuracies like the announcer saying the thirteen colonies when as this song came from the War of 1812, we weren't colonies then as the revolution had ended over 20 years prior. Every time he say's colonies it makes me cringe a little as he should be saying States.

[@elkins4406]

He can't even get the name of the fort right! He says "Fort Henry." smdh

[@Rebel9668]

@@elkins4406 Yeah, last I heard Fort Henry was a Confederate fort in West Tennessee, lol.

[@zaydennightshade5083]

To be fair, I hear America called "the colonies" by British people sometimes even now.

[@pats8219]

A lot of inaccuracies and plainly made up parts by preacher David Gibbs jr

[@kelligray1848]

Hand over heart and singing and tearing up as I always do at our national anthem!🇺🇸

[@Thefirefighter2631]

What am I doing? I’m proudly singing my national anthem. My heart bursting with pride.

[@girlssweets7377]

I’ve been living in this country for 24 years and I never heard it in school, since 5th grade all the way to college. No that story is not commonly told here, I cried. I’m very proud to be a part of this country and I completely understand those peoples courage. God bless America 🇺🇸

[@JohnLeePettimoreIII]

the speech is 95% fiction. be glad you were not taught it as if it were historical fact.

[@sandyp154]

BTW - what remains of that flag - the original Star Spangled Banner, is on display in the Smithsonian Institution's American History Museum in Washington DC.

[@joryadamson7854]

During the bombardment of Fort McHenry the US were not 13 colonies, but around 15 States

[@johnmurkwater1064]

Probably why they had 15 stars on the flag shown in the video. Yeah, I counted.

[@ericdraven201]

It was 18 or 19 states during the War of 1812, but only 15 Stars and Stripes were on the flag at the time.

[@johnmurkwater1064]

@@ericdraven201 Thanks, I was going to look it up but got sidetracked, appreciate it.

[@kimkearney5419]

True, it was theWar of 1812, and the bombing took place in 1814. It was a true military fort, it protected the harbor. The fact is not that many Americans actually died.

[@benruss4130]

@@ericdraven201 15 states and 3 territories

[@aliccolo]

That video had me missing home. I've been living in Italy for a long time and haven't been back to the states to visit in years, but just hearing the story and really thinking about the words brings a tear to my eye.

[@donnaoleske6804]

I teared up watching your reaction to our anthem. And yes, did have my hand over my heart at the end.