flag day & maryland history Flag Day, June 14, is of special interest to us Maryland (our state) and Montgomery County (our county) cats because of its association with the national anthem. As we tell the story, we have included some links that your purrents might want to read while you catnap after eating a bowl full of turkeymeat. Followed by a catnip treat, caturally. -mewhaha- The author of the Star Spangled Banner, Frances Scott Key, grew up in Frederick County MD and practiced law in Georgetown (formerly part of Montgomery County MD) where he lived with his wife and numerous children. After the British invasion of Baltimore and Washington in August, 1814, local residents learned that the British had carried off a respected physician, Dr. William Beanes of Upper Marlboro and were holding him on the British flagship Tonnant. Francis Scott Key was asked to go to Baltimore and use his skills and influence to secure the release of Dr. Beanes. They weren't allowed to leave until after the British attack, however. It was this event involving the shelling of Fort McHenry that led to the writing of the poem that became the national anthem. The flag that inspired the poem is now displayed at the National Museum of American History of the Smithsonian Institution. Others, too, had been inspired by the sight of the US flag. For decades teachers observed the "Flag Birthday" on June 14, the anniversary of the official adoption of The Stars and Stripes. Newspapers wrote articles on the topic while patriotic groups and state governors called for a nation-wide observance. Gradually, the custom took a firm place in the national imagination. The history of Flag Day is the story of an idea that became a series of local customs and eventually was signed into law by President Truman on August 3, 1949. Where was Betsy Ross? Didn't George Washington come to her home and ask her to make the first American flag? Sorry, but it's doubtful that the story is true despite its being part of national folklore. In any event, the flag that flew over Ft. McHenry was made by Mary Young Pickersgill a "maker of colours," in her Baltimore home which has been restored as the Star Spangled Banner Flag House museum. Caterwaul Chronicle front page Contact the Editor Go tsimmesnet home Copyright © 2014 by Daphne Schor. All rights reserved.