[Congressional Bills 103th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.J. Res. 261 Introduced in House (IH)]

103d CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. J. RES. 261

     Designating September 14, 1994, as ``Francis Scott Key Day''.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                           September 14, 1993

Mr. Bartlett of Maryland (for himself, Mrs. Bentley, Mrs. Morella, Mr. 
 Cardin, Mr. Wynn, Mr. Hoyer, Mr. Gilchrest, and Mr. Mfume) introduced 
the following joint resolution; which was referred to the Committee on 
                     Post Office and Civil Service

_______________________________________________________________________

                            JOINT RESOLUTION


 
     Designating September 14, 1994, as ``Francis Scott Key Day''.

Whereas Francis Scott Key, lawyer, family man, community leader, patriot, and 
        poet, traveled from Washington, D.C., to Baltimore, Maryland, to seek 
        the freedom of a United States citizen held captive by the British 
        during the War of 1812;
Whereas Francis Scott Key was detained by the British to prevent him from 
        revealing the plans to attack Baltimore and was forced to witness the 
        British assault on Fort McHenry in Baltimore harbor;
Whereas Francis Scott Key was so moved with joy, relief, and exhilaration when 
        he saw the United States flag still flying to indicate the failure of 
        the British attack that he was inspired to compose the poem, at first 
        called ``Defence of Fort M'Henry'', which later became the lyrics of our 
        national anthem, ``The Star-Spangled Banner'';
Whereas an Act of the Congress made ``The Star-Spangled Banner'' our national 
        anthem;
Whereas the national anthem is firmly entrenched as a symbol of the spirit of 
        the United States and is beloved by all the people of the United States; 
        and
Whereas Francis Scott Key has not been given sufficient national recognition for 
        his contributions to our Nation's heritage and spirit: Now, therefore, 
        be it
    Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 
States of America in Congress assembled, That September 14, 1994, is 
designated as ``Francis Scott Key Day'', and the President is 
authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling on the people 
of the United States to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and 
activities.

                                 <all>