~ We learned about the national anthem of the United States this week. Many people believe the song was written about the American Revolution. It is not. It was written about The War of 1812. The song was written about the British attack on Fort McHenry in 1814, and how after many attacks, bombs, and explosions, the United States flag still was flying over the fort to signify that it was still in the hands of the Americans. Below is a picture of the British Army burning the first White House
The first White House
The Star Spangled Banner LyricsBy Francis Scott Key 1814
Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming
Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.The first White HouseThe Star Spangled Banner LyricsBy Francis Scott Key 1814
Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming
Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
Have your child explain the words to you.
~As we talked about the man who was the main person in the plot to assassinate (murder) Hitler and overthrow the Nazi government, Trenton asked if I would post a picture of him. This is Claus von Stauffenberg. He would never let anyone photograph him below the waist, as he was missing many fingers due to battle scars from fighting the Allies in North Africa. He also wore an eye patch, as one of his eyes was destroyed in battle against the Allies. The movie Valkryie is based on this man's attempt to save Germany from disaster.
This picture (with his children) was taken shortly before he decided to join some generals and business men in killing Hitler. Once he heard of the death camps and saw how Germany was being destroyed by the Nazis he decided to act.
Below is a photgraph of Heinrich Himmler. He was the Number 2 Jackboot, and responsible for the ghettos, concentration camps, and death camps. This is the man Misha wanted to see in the Jackboot parade of cars.
