goldie

Yepper - going back to the paid for variety. Sorry, all -- the cat made me do it. Find me here.

Washed in the blood of the brave and the blooming,
Snatched from the altars of insolent foes,
Burning with star-fires, but never consuming,
Flash its broad ribbons of lily and rose.

Vainly the prophets of Baal would rend it,
Vainly his worshippers pray for its fall;
Thousands have died for it, millions defend it,
Emblem of justice and mercy to all;

Justice that reddens the sky with her terrors,
Mercy that comes with her white-handed train,
Soothing all passions, redeeming all errors,
Sheathing the sabre and breaking the chain.

Borne on the deluge of all usurpations,
Drifted our Ark o’er the desolate seas,
Bearing the rainbow of hope to the nations,
Torn from the storm-cloud and flung to the breeze!

God bless the Flag and its loyal defenders,
While its broad folds o’er the battle-field wave,
Till the dim star-wreath rekindle its splendors,
Washed from its stains in the blood of the brave!

~ By Oliver Wendell Holmes

Create flashcard questions and play memory or Trivial Pursuit!

What is he referring to with "Drifted out Ark o'er the desolate seas"?

The Mayflower coming to America!

Who are "the prophets of Baal"?

Those of other nations who do not believe in "one nation under God".

Why would Mr. Holmes write "sheathing the sabre and breaking the chain."?

We are a nation that will fight if provoked, but we do desire peace and freedom.

What could "till the dim star-wreath rekindle its splendors" mean?

Perhaps, renewed patriotism stemming from what this country was founded on: liberty and justice for all.

What is "burning with star-fires, but never consuming, flash its broad ribbons of lily and rose" talking about?

It's a description of the American flag. "Star-fires...never consuming" is referring to the stars on our flag. "Ribbons of lily and rose" are the red and white stripes.

SCOOBY-Doo has become one of Queensland's most wanted after giving police the slip during a reckless track invasion at the Ipswich Cup race day. Read more ...

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