FRANCIS SCOTT KEY WRITES "THE DEFENCE OF FORT MCHENRY"
Baltimore, Maryland (JFK+50) A Baltimore lawyer by the name of Francis Scott Key has written a poem about the British attack on Fort McHenry after he witnessed the battle from a truce ship in the harbor.
The title of the poem is The Defence of Fort McHenry".
Mr. Key was inspired by seeing the "Stars & Stripes" still flying over the fort "by the dawn's early light".*
*The poem was later set to the tune of "To Anacreon in Heaven" by John Stafford Smith. It would become known as "The Star Spangled Banner" & in 1931 became "Our National Anthem".
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?
September 13, 1998
GEORGE WALLACE DEAD AT 79
Montgomery, Alabama (JFK+50) The former Governor of the State of Alabama, George C. Wallace, who once stood in the doorway of the University of Alabama to block admittance of the 1st African-American students to enroll there, died today here in Montgomery at the age of 79.
In his inaugural in 1963, Governor Wallace declared "Segregation now. Segregation tomorrow. Segregation forever."
The Governor was forced, however, to defer to President Kennedy & Federal troops & allow the state university to be integrated.
During his 3rd party campaign for President in 1972, Wallace was shot & permanently paralyzed below the waist.
He retired in 1986 saying: "I've climbed my last political mountain."
George C. Wallace
Photo by Marion S. Trikosko
Library of Congress
September 13, 1962
JFK SAYS CUBA UNDER SURVEILLANCE
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) President Kennedy gave his 43rd news conference today at the State Department Auditorium.
In a prepared statement before questioning began, the President stated the United States is committed to the support of Cuban refugee leaders who actively oppose Castro's regime.
In response to questioning, JFK assured reporters that Cuba is "under our most careful surveillance."
September 13, 1963
DALLAS NEWSPAPERS REPORT JFK WILL VISIT TEXAS IN NOVEMBER
Dallas, Texas (JFK+50) Newspapers here in Dallas, Texas today published reports that President John F. Kennedy is planning to visit Texas in November.
It is to be assumed that the President will be coming to Texas to solidify support for his upcoming re-election bid in 1964.
September 13, 1956
JOSEPH P. KENNEDY, SR. HAS OPERATION
Boston, Massachusetts (JFK+50) Former US Ambassador to Great Britain, Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr. underwent a prostatectomy today at New England Baptist Hospital.
Mr. Kennedy was in Paris when he was treated & advised to return to Boston for the operation.
