National Anthem Jeopardy

Jeopardy is one of my favorite shows. It is a short daily mental workout, in which we hear the answer and must guess the question. Today, we should strive to live an ANSWER as we proclaim the question.

Huh?

When was the last time you READ the words to our national anthem? Do you remember how it ends -- at least the first stanza -- which is usually all we sing?

It ends with a QUESTION. It is one I reflect upon whenever I sing it. Written during a pivotal time in our Nation's history -- the War of 1812 -- it was a real question written by a real American. Francis Scott Key, while being held prisoner on an English ship near Baltimore during the battle of Fort McHenry, wanted to know if he still had a COUNTRY. He struggled for a glimpse of the flag, praying it had not been replaced by the Union Jack, which would have happened if the English lowered the Star-Spangled Banner in victory.

I believe the QUESTION is one we must ask ourselves often, and especially each year during the second week of September. Sure, the flag is on the poles, we take that part of the QUESTION for granted. But are we doing our part?

Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'r the land of the FREE and the home of the BRAVE?

To remain Free, we must become and remain the Brave. Each of us, in our own generation, must live the answer to the question every day. It was modeled for us 10 years ago. Let us honor so many brave Americans who gave all, by following their example.