The National Anthem

Last updated over 5 years ago

8 questions

Note from the author:

Part 1 of online lessons for the national anthem of the United States.

The National Anthem of the United States has become a musical symbol of our nation's freedom. Begin by interviewing a family member about his/her knowledge of our nation's song.  Record his/her answers below.

1. What is the name of the current national anthem?

2. How long has it been our official national anthem?

3. Do you like or dislike "The Star Spangled Banner"? Why or why not?

4. If the national anthem changed, what song would you chose? Why?

This section focuses on what you already know, want to know and at the end of the unit, what you learned about the national anthem of the United States.  (Often called a KWL chart.)  Answer the following questions about what you ALREADY KNOW and WANT TO KNOW about "The Star Spangled Banner".  

4. What do you already know about "The Star Spangled Banner"?

5. What do you want to learn about "The Star Spangled Banner"?

In the video below, you will view a former US Marine sing the 4th verse of "The Star Spangled Banner". (Even though he says it's the 2nd verse)  Pay attention to what the people attending the rally begin doing.  

What is proper etiquette upon hearing the national anthem of the United States?  
      When the anthem plays, a U.S. citizen should rise from his seat, stand at attention, face the flag and place his right hand over his heart. This etiquette also applies to children who are old enough to stand on their own. The Emily Post Institute notes that if a citizen is walking to her seat when the anthem begins to play, she should stop walking, stand at attention and place her hand over her heart until the anthem concludes. People should not mill around while the anthem plays.
     Hat Protocol: A male should remove his hat (discounting religious headwear such as a yarmulke) with his right hand and hold it over his left shoulder. Thus, the hand holding the hat is placed over the heart.
     Eating and Drinking: According to the Emily Post Institute, a citizen should not eat, drink, smoke or chew gum during the national anthem. If possible, she should set down her food containers so that there are no items in her hands.
     Military Personell: Individuals in military uniform must face the flag, and upon the first note of the anthem, perform the military salute. This position should be held throughout the entire anthem.
     Exceptions: Although U.S. Code § 301 provides a guide for national anthem etiquette, it is not considered a law under which a person may be prosecuted if he chooses not to follow the protocol. The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects the rights of those who do not follow this protocol for personal reasons. For example, it is against religious practice for Jehovah's Witnesses to stand during the playing of any country's national anthem.

Sources: aw.cornell.edu/uscode/text/36/301
http://www.americanflags.org/docs/etiquette.jsp?pageId=0690200091781119362392163

Let's try to think of what makes a good national anthem.  Pretend you and several others have just created a brand new country.  You have been allotted the opportunity to create a musical anthem for your new country.  What would the lyrics of your song be about?  What style of music would you use?

For your country's new national anthem, what would the song lyrics be about? What style of music would you choose?

Now, back to reality.  When I (your instructor - Mrs. Allen) was about your age, there was a little push in the area where I lived to have the national anthem changed to a different song, "God Bless America".  Luckily, it didn't happen.  But, if there were a push to have it changed today, what's another song you would choose to replace it that you think would represent our country well?

What other song do you think could make a good national anthem and represent our country well? Pleast list the song title and the singer/group/arranger.