Veterans Hospital

Memorial Weekend:

Christelle James

O 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 through 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
O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave

When I studied for my citizenship exam and ceremony 4 years ago, I wanted to know more about this incredible anthem.

I learned that after being pounded for 25 hours in the Battle of Baltimore, US soldiers at Fort McHenry raised a huge flag to celebrate a crucial victory over the British forces during the War of 1812. The sight of those broad stripes and bright starts inspired Francis Scott Key to write a poem which eventually became our national anthem.

I would probably not have immigrated to America if it had not been for the selflessness and love for our country by our Military. Our freedom came at a massive cost – and people were the collateral damage. I am forever thankful to them for paving a way for my family to move to the land of the free, the home of the brave and the opportunities she gives her people.

We spent a day at the Veterans Hospital in Nashville, and it was an honor to serve the brave men who served us.

God Bless America