Our American Flag. A patriotic song dedicated the U. S. flag.

Our American Flag
Words and music by Sean Tully
Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved.

Patriotic Songs
Patriotic songs in the United States have long served as powerful expressions of national pride, unity, and identity. They’re often tied to key historical moments, offering emotional resonance during both celebration and crisis. “The Star-Spangled Banner,” written by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812, became the national anthem in 1931. Its imagery of a flag still flying after battle became a lasting symbol of American resilience.

Another classic, “America the Beautiful,” was based on a poem by Katharine Lee Bates and set to music by Samuel A. Ward. Its vivid imagery and appeal for divine grace give it a reflective, almost prayerful tone. Similarly, “My Country, ’Tis of Thee,” written in 1831, gained early popularity despite borrowing its melody from Britain’s national anthem.

During the Civil War, songs like “Battle Hymn of the Republic” merged religious themes with the Union cause, reinforcing the idea of moral purpose. World War I brought George M. Cohan’s “Over There,” a spirited call to arms, while Irving Berlin’s “God Bless America” emerged as a more meditative expression of gratitude and hope.

In modern times, Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” became a patriotic staple, especially after 9/11, resonating with themes of freedom and perseverance. Across generations, these songs have united Americans through melody and message, becoming woven into the fabric of national identity.

The United States Flag
The American flag, known as “The Stars and Stripes,” represents the country’s evolving identity. First adopted in 1777, it featured 13 stars and stripes symbolizing the original colonies. As new states joined the Union, stars were added, leading to today’s 50-star version, while the 13 stripes remain a nod to the country’s founding.

Though interpretations of its colors vary, red often represents valor, white symbolizes purity, and blue stands for justice and perseverance. The flag has been present at key moments in U.S. history—from the Civil War and World Wars to the civil rights movement and modern national tragedies—serving as a symbol of hope, unity, and protest alike.

Its use isn’t without controversy. Flag burning, ruled as protected free speech by the Supreme Court in Texas v. Johnson (1989), underscores the complexities of free expression in a democracy. Meanwhile, flag etiquette outlined in the U.S. Flag Code helps preserve respect for the symbol, from how it’s displayed to how it’s folded.

Beyond government and military use, the flag appears in daily life—on clothing, in artwork, and at events—making it a living part of American culture. Revered and sometimes challenged, the flag continues to reflect both national pride and the ongoing dialogue around American ideals.

The Martin Backpacker Guitar
The Martin Backpacker guitar is a compact, travel-friendly instrument that merges function with craftsmanship. Designed for portability, it features a slim, triangular body and weighs just over two pounds. Introduced in 1992 by C.F. Martin & Co., it was created for musicians on the move—hikers, campers, or travelers looking to bring music anywhere.

Despite its unusual shape, the Backpacker delivers a bright, surprisingly resonant tone. Built with solid tonewoods like spruce and mahogany or sapele, and featuring a simple 15-fret fingerboard, it offers solid playability for practice or casual performance. While it won’t rival a full-size guitar in depth, it more than delivers in portability and convenience.

Its appeal lies in its versatility. Whether played at a campfire or on a mountaintop, it embodies the spirit of spontaneous music-making. Perhaps most memorably, astronaut Chris Hadfield played a version aboard the International Space Station—illustrating the instrument’s reach beyond Earth.

Though some may critique its tone or shape, the Backpacker excels at what it was designed for: enabling music wherever life takes you. It’s a minimalist’s companion, a traveler’s friend, and a symbol of music’s universal accessibility.