Song of Freedom

Words by Florence A. Jones | Music by Franz Wald

Ring, O bells, from ev'ry steeple!
Tell the story far and near;
Let the breezes bear your echoes,
Freedom's natal day is here.
Fire the guns and shout for freedom,
See the flag above unfurled!
Hail the stars and stripes forever,
Dearest flag in all the world.

Ring, O bells, and shout, O people,
Float, O flag, from sea to sea!
We, thy children, rally 'round thee,
Hail, O flag of liberty!

Float, O starry flag of freedom!
Flag our fathers died to save;
He on whom your shadow lingers
Never more can be a slave.
May "Old Glory" float forever,
High o'er vale and mountain crag,
See her stars on ev'ry ocean,
One dear country, one dear flag!

Ring, O bells, and shout, O people,
Float, O flag, from sea to sea!
We, thy children, rally 'round thee,
Hail, O flag of liberty!

For Kids

Did you know that there is a U.S. law about displaying the flag at your school? There are other laws, too, about when and how to show the flag! And learn more about our stars and stripes—including why there are stars and stripes!

For Teachers

The flag that flew over Ft. McHenry is on display at the Smithsonian. You can use a virtual version as a resource with lesson plans geared from kindergarten through grade 8.