Symbols of the United States and Arkansas – Object #1

Services Version: The Star-Spangled Banner

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Download the National Anthem sheet music

<p>The first page has the title “Services Version: The Star-Spangled Banner” across the top with an image of the American flag with its white stars on a blue background and red and white stripes. Underneath the flag are the words “liberty and justice for all.” The second and third pages have the musical notation and lyrics for the song. The date April 24, 1919 is stamped at the base of the second page.</p>

Illustrated musical score of the national anthem

Questions

Describe what symbols you see on the cover sheet of the music. What do you think these symbols mean?

How many stars and stripes are in the flag? What do you think the stars and stripes stand for?

What song is this? Why do you think the publisher used this design on the cover? How does the design relate to the words of the song?

Citations

Smith, John Stafford. Services version. The Star-Spangled Banner. Boston: Oliver Ditson Company, 1918. Library of Congress Sheet Music Collection. https://www.loc.gov/item/unk84210125/.