Schwartz teaches graduates the meaning of the national anthem

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Stephanie Englar
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Gen. (Ret.) Norton Schwartz, Former Chief of Staff of the Air Force, was the keynote speaker at the Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Class 14-10 June 13 at the Graduation
Ceremony in the Kaye Auditorium.

"It's truly an honor to join you in appreciation for what you have accomplished as you graduate today from pilot training," said Schwartz. "In no doubt, this will be one of the proudest
moments of your life."

Schwartz continued by telling the graduates they should all be very proud of what they have attained, and that it is an accomplishment like no other.

"For everyone who has successfully completed this course, he or she understands the rigors, the hard work, the stress, the emotion that leads to this great day and also the endurance and encouragement and the support from your families which help you reach the goal line this morning."

During his speech, Schwartz told the audience about the history behind the National Anthem. In his story he told the audience that even in the midst of uncertainty and anxiety, he
believes it is comforting to know that America has been through it before and not only survived, but triumphed.

"History teaches us a simple and elegant lesson on how America weathers such challenges," said Schwartz. "A lesson we all know well in an icon we see every day but seldom consider the implications. Look at the flag, and consider the national anthem we sing before ceremonies and sporting events."

Schwartz encouraged the audience to think, for a moment, what that song is all about and to consider the inspirations for the words that we all know by heart. Francis Scott Key wrote the poem that would become our national anthem in 1814, inspired by the fight over Fort McHenry 200 years ago.

"The National Anthem is filled with dramatic words of duty and power and ideals, but the song is not only about those things," said Schwartz. "Our national anthem is a song about
facing uncertainty."

Schwartz told the story about the battle at Fort McHenry between American and British soldiers in 1814.

"The song recounts a scene where no one would know the results until dawns early light which would reveal the victor by the color of the flag flying over the fort," said Schwartz.

Schwartz said it's easy for us now to skip to the end because we know how it turns out, but for those who had to endure that long and uncertain night, their whole world would hinge on the outcome. The result symbolized by one flag, demonstrating victory or defeat.

"The Star-Spangled Banner in triumph did wave, and Key was moved to praise the victors, in the land of the free, and the home of the brave," Schwartz narrated to the crowd. "Consider
these details the next time you hear or sing the anthem. The tune took new meaning and would forever immortalize triumph through the darkness and into the light. Let us not take for granted the meaning of these words, for this is our heritage, this is our identity, this is who we are."

After Schwartz recounted the tale behind the national anthem, he once again thanked the graduates for their service and told them that even with recent events, he felt a sense of promise that day when he looked at the group of new pilot graduates.

"Your service proves that America is still the land of the free only because it is the home of brave men and women like you," said Schwartz. "Never underestimate the power of your service or the moral force of your devotion to duty. It is because of you and those like you, I am sure America will always find its way through a dark and stormy night."