RETIRED MEN'S ASSOCIATION OF GREENWICH, Inc. (RMA)
Invites you to its meeting, May 6, 2026, at 11 am at Christ Church, Parish Hall, 254 East Putnam Ave., Greenwich. The program will also be shown on Zoom (click here for live feed), and on local cable channels 24 (Verizon) and 79 (Optimum)
Mark Clague, Ph.D.
“The Star-Spangled Banner: Its Origins and Meanings—1814, 1861, 1917, 1969 and for Us Today”
(Note: This talk will be presented via Zoom and may be viewed either in Parish Hall or remotely)
Patriotism is a key ingredient of the success of any nation. As nations get larger, a sense of commitment to shared values and principles is critical. Music through anthems is especially effective in inspiring such communal devotion. Composed by Francis Scott Key, “The Star-Spangled Banner” was created at a time of political division to unify a still new nation. This virtual talk explores the origin story of the U.S. anthem, correcting myths and connecting Key’s lyric to an ongoing debate about America’s values that helped shape the nation. We’ll trace key moments in the song’s history: its 1814 creation during the War of 1812, its role in the U.S. Civil War in 1861, in 1917 during WWI, and in 1969 on the strings of Jimi Hendrix’s electric guitar at Woodstock. What does this whole story mean for us today? Join musicologist Mark Clague, author of the book O Say Can You Hear?: A Cultural Biography of The Star-Spangled Banner for this presentation and conversation, as part of the year-long celebration of programs in Greenwich commemorating America’s 250th birthday.
Mark Clague, Ph.D. serves as Professor of Musicology at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance with affiliate appointments in American Culture, Afro-American Studies, and Arts Entrepreneurship and Leadership. His book O Say Can You Hear? was selected as an Editor’s Pick by The New York Times, and his two editions of George Gershwin’s An American in Paris are being performed by ensembles worldwide. His other books include the Star Spangled Songbook: A History in Sheet Music and The Memoirs of Alton Augustus Adams, Sr.: First Black Bandmaster of the United States Navy. A graduate of the University of Michigan and the University of Chicago, his anthem research is featured on the website StarSpangledMusic.org.
Our next presentation, on May 13 is Todd Purdum, Author of “Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television”
The Greenwich Retired Men’s Association offers a free program every Wednesday that is open to the public, both men and women; no reservations are required. Our social break starts at 10:40 am followed promptly by our presentation at 11:00. For additional information, including parking, see www.greenwichrma.org/upcoming-speakers.
