2023-2024 Essay Title: “The Stars and Stripes Forever”
Topic for 2023-2024
On May 14, 1897, John Philip Sousa played his new march, “The Stars and Stripes Forever.” This song would become the national march of the United States on December 11, 1987. Imagine it is 1897 and you are a newspaper reporter for The Philadelphia Times. Your newspaper editor has asked you to write an article about the new song performed that day. Your article needs to tell about Sousa’s life and the story behind the song. It is the first performance of the song, so make sure your article includes thoughts about the music and how the audience reacts to what was seen and heard that day.
Title of Essay: Stars & Stripes Forever
Open to Grades 5–8
Length 300-1,000 words (please contact for more information)
One essay at each grade level is selected as the chapter winner and forwarded to the State Chairman American History for state competition.
Deadline: December 4, 2023.