National Anthem's Roots Reach to South Dakota

From the August 2nd Rapid City (SD) Journal "Kent: Anthem's roots reach Fort Meade" by Jim Kent.

Most Americans know the story of the Star-Spangled Banner, but mot its connection to Fort Meade many years later. 

In 1892, Colonel Caleb Carlton became the fort's commander.  He and his wife Sadie had long been saddened by the lack of a United States national song.  They wanted something that could be played at the Retreat Ceremony in the evening when the flag is lowered.

They felt Francis Scott Key's "Star-Spangled Banner" would fill the bill and pushed for it, though it did not become the official anthem until 1931 with the help of urging from John Philip Sousa.

"Oh Say Can You See..."  --Brock-Perry