This episode of The American Tapestry Project is the first of  two exploring how Americans celebrate freedom through holidays and  music. What was Decoration Day and how did it become Memorial Day? What  Longfellow poem defined the day? Why did Julia Ward Howe write The  Battle Hymn of the Republic and what was the origin of Taps? What happened on June 19, 1865 and how did it evolve into Juneteenth? How do Swing Low Sweet Chariot and Lift Every Voice and Sing shine a light on  Juneteenth? Finally, before The Star-Spangled Banner what was the American national anthem?

We’ll rediscover Hail Columbia, America (My Country Tis of Thee) and Yankee Doodle as we chart how Americans  celebrate the Fourth of July. Music and the freedom of which it sings – American freedom holidays on The American Tapestry Project.

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