Anyone who has visited Capon knows that the Star Spangled Banner is spotlighted at the start of each day during the flag raising ceremony. Because this year marks a special anniversary for our country's National Anthem, we have a few special tributes planned. On Tuesday, September 16th we will honor the 200th
anniversary of the completed version of the Star Spangled Banner. That
night, the Blue & Gray Chorus of Martinsburg, WV will lead a patriotic
medley of tunes before, during and after a special flag lowering ceremony. A short historical documentary about the US
flag will also be presented.
(Also, all guests who visit us any of the three nights of 9/16, 9/17 and/or 9/18, will receive our special 82nd anniversary $82/person/night rates. Main house rooms with shared bath are only $62/person/night.)
(Also, all guests who visit us any of the three nights of 9/16, 9/17 and/or 9/18, will receive our special 82nd anniversary $82/person/night rates. Main house rooms with shared bath are only $62/person/night.)
Being one of Capon’s most time-honored traditions, guests
have heard the national anthem every morning before receiving breakfast
since the 1940s. While everyone stands
at attention for this solemn ceremony, kids of all ages take turns hoisting the
US flag. Since all of Capon’s flags were
first flown over the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, DC, flag raisers receive a certificate suitable for framing for their efforts. For the first thirty years, Capon founder Lou
Austin signed each certificate. Then his
oldest son Porter carried on the tradition.
Now, third generation family member Tom Austin does the honors.
Until recently, only Fred Waring’s slow paced version of the
National Anthem played through the trees at 8:25 each morning. About 10 years ago, a more up tempo version
was added to the weekday mix. About the
same time, a special edition performed by the LaFayette Men’s Choir (which
included Capon guest Charlie Zook) became the Sunday tradition.
Every once in awhile, Capon guests themselves will offer to
stand in for the recorded version. Earlier
this summer, for four straight mornings, vocalists perched on the 3rd
floor balcony outside the library to provide stirring renditions of the Star
Spangled Banner after the morning flag raising. Then later, inspired by
their musical sharing, Manhattan School of Arts masters degree student, blogger, and long-time guest, Sarah
Kenner, brought a tear to many an eye with her arrangement of the Star Spangled Banner for solo violin. Check out the video of Sarah's performance below... it is truly a magical Capon moment!Looking for more information about the Star Spangled Banner and Francis Scott Key, including resources for kids? Check out this website which includes videos, free coloring pages and a collection of articles.
Many of you have raised or lowered the flag at Capon. Do you still have your certificate? We'd love to hear about a memory you have of a special Capon flag ceremony... share your stories in the comments below.
