THE FLAG AND THE MAN

Francis Scott Key lived until 1843, when he died of pleurisy. Today, the American flag flies at his grave - and at Ft. McHenry - both day and night.

Three years before he died, Key penned a few more copies of his famous poem. The Library of Congress has one of those originals. Note the difference in his original version

...bright stars and broad stripes
through the clouds of the fight...

and the version of today

...whose broad stripes and bright stars
through the perilous fight...

Maybe the change was made because today's version is easier to sing. Or maybe both are versions which Key himself wrote.

And what of the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key? It is old and tattered but still survives. It is in the National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. The huge flag, whose stars measure two feet from point to point, is still a sight to see. Because of its age and condition, it recently underwent extensive restoration.

Francis Scott Key isn't remembered for what he contributed to the practice of law. And a cousin who was named after him (Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald) became much more famous for literary works - like The Great Gatsby. Key is remembered for so poignantly honoring the flag that survived the British bombshells. He is honored today for his contribution to the language of freedom and patriotism.

NOTE:

The Smithsonian has a terrific web site about the Ft. McHenry flag. We encourage you to check it out. A story at the Department of Education web site provides more interesting details about Francis Scott Key and Dr. Beanes.