'Baltimore--Birthplace Of The Star-Spangled Banner' May Be The City's New Slogan
BALTIMORE (WJZ)—This week is the bicentennial celebration of the Star-Spangled Banner. City officials are working to make a change to honor this part of Baltimore's history.
Tracey Leong has the story.
Baltimore is where the iconic Star-Spangled Banner was born. It happened 200 years ago right near the Inner Harbor.
It's something our city officials are proud of, and they've found a way to make the whole country take notice.
Sung at national events, it's a tune that says America.
"We will always be the birthplace of the Star-Spangled Banner," said Councilman James Kraft, District 1.
Kraft is leading the charge to reflect an important historical moment, reminding everyone they're singing a poem written by Francis Scott Key in Baltimore after the American victory.
"We stopped the British here," he said. "If they had burned Baltimore this may be a different country."
By making the new slogan "Baltimore- birthplace of the Star-Spangled Banner," it takes ownership of the song that defines our nation.
American flags can be found all across Baltimore--people proudly waving their heritage, excited about the possible change.
"It needs to be recognized and historically allow it to continue to go on," said Tommy Rawling.
"Everybody knows the national anthem, so it seems like something people could associate with," Kelly Ambrose.
But some feel it's not the best choice.
"You know the Star-Spangled Banner of 1812 is just one incident, but right now we need something more prevalent ," said Kevin Porter.
"It doesn't seem to me it says that much about the city going forward other than it was one historical event that happened here ," said Jacqueline Greff.
No matter how people may feel, the councilman says it's a fact that identifies Baltimore.
"Somewhere around the world every minute of everyday somebody is singing the Star-Spangled Banner, and they are singing about Baltimore. We should take pride in that," Kraft said.
The bill was passed unanimously for the new slogan.
It could become a law by this fall, making it the first official city slogan.
When and where the slogan could be used is still being decided.
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