Words to know: National anthem is part of the history we must teach

As part of the annual Capitol Fourth celebration in Washington Friday night, composer John Williams (of "Star Wars" fame) unveiled a new arrangement for our national anthem.

If you haven't heard how majestically he set off the words and music of "The Star-Spangled Banner," look it up. It is nothing short of beautiful.

But as we listen to the music that stirs the souls of so many Americans, we pause to wonder, will future generations have the same feeling?

"The Star-Spangled Banner" is history -- and its words and story should be part of every history curriculum, as should the story of the flag that flew over the harbor the day it was written.

We have to make sure in this day of rewriting and sanitizing history that we do not lose the stories of freedom, sacrifice and patriotism that are uniquely American.

Our nation's history should be as important a lesson as reading, writing and arithmetic.

And we have to stand firm to make sure it stays that way. And that its notes and words stay true to those written by that brave band of patriots so many years ago.

It is our duty as today's keepers of freedom's flame.

Published in Editorials on July 6, 2014 12:39 AM