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Friday, October 4, 2013

JFK+50 ENDORSES FSK PROJECT

October 4, 2013

JFK+50 ENDORSES FRANCIS SCOTT KEY FILM PROJECT

Baltimore, Maryland (JFK+50) Philip J. Marshall*, producer and director for Maryland Public Television (MPT) has contacted JFK+50 about his latest documentary film project titled "Francis Scott Key** and the Song that Built America."

JFK+50 endorses this project with great pleasure and encourage our visitors to take a look at Mr. Marshall's website at...

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1374896610/fs-key-and-the-song-that-built-america

*Philip J. Marshall began his broadcasting career at WNET in New York and later worked at Phoenix/BFA Films.  His recent production of "Music of Ireland" won an Emmy.

**Francis Scott Key (1779-1843) was born in Frederick County, Maryland.  His father, John Ross Key, was an officer in the Continental Army.  

Key studied law at St. John's College in Annapolis and became associated with both the American Bible Society and the American Colonization Society.




                    Francis Scott Key


Mr. Marshall says...

"Patriotism is a pretty tough sell these days and it shouldn't be.  Supporting our country and its history should never be in question, even if you question your government as Francis Scott Key did."

Key spoke out in protest against the War of 1812 just weeks before he witnessed the British attack on Washington, D.C. as a member of the American militia.



                 Francis Scott Key Park
                           Georgetown
                 34th and M Street, NW
             Photo by John White (2011) 

Philip Marshall will present Key's story which he describes as one of "politics, religion, social activism" and the "celebration and betterment of America."

Mr. Marshall adds...

"This is a story that truly must be told, as it is the period in our history that led directly...to who we are today."

The film has been in research and development over the past two years and is targeted to be released on the 200th anniversary of the writing and publication of "In Defence of Fort McHenry,"*** in September 2014.

 ***The title of the poem written after Key witnessed the battle from a truce ship in Baltimore Harbor later set to music and re-titled "The Star Spangled Banner."

The project offers contributors a variety of rewards some of which are listed below.  Please check out Mr. Marshall's website to access the complete menu of rewards:

$20 or more...a recreation parchment of Key's handwritten poem.



$35 or more...a BluRay copy of the completed film

$100 or more...2 tickets to the screening of the film in Baltimore along with a signed DVD/BluRay copy of the film.



          Cememony at Fort McHenry
                 Baltimore, Maryland

The Star Spangled Banner has four stanzas although it is only the first one that is usually sung.

Here is the fourth and final stanza...

"O thus be it ever when freemen shall stand
Between their lov'd home and the war's desolation!
Blest with vict'ry and peace may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the power that hath made and preserv'd us as a nation!

Then conquer we must, when our cause is just

And this be our motto - "In God is our trust."
And the star spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave."


SOURCE

"Francis Scott Key and the Song that Built America," www.kickstarter.com