At 7am on the morning of September 13, 1814 the British armada bombarded Fort McHenry with over 1,500 shells, weighing 220 lbs. each.  British Congreve rockets were launched that traced wobbly arcs of flame across the sky.  The attack raged for more than 25 hours.  The Americans fought back and sank 22 British vessels.  Through the fog and smoke Key, Col. Skinner, and Dr. Beanes watched and awaited the fate of Fort McHenry.  At first daylight as the air cleared and the sun rose they saw that “the flag was still there.”

   The flag flying over Fort McHenry was no ordinary flag.  Ordered by Fort Commander, Major George Armistead to be “so big that the British would have no trouble seeing it,” Old Glory measured 30’ x 42’ with stars 2’ in size.  This flag was handmade by Mary Young Pickersgill and her 13-year-old daughter in 1813 for the purchase price of $40.00.

   As the American’s sloop sailed back to Baltimore, Key was so moved by the sight of the American flag still flying after such a vicious bombardment, he began to write in verse form what he had seen.  Finishing his poem at the Indian Queen Hotel, his brother-in-law, Judge J. H. Nicholson, took it to a printer and copies were circulated throughout Baltimore under the title, “Defense of Fort McHenry.”  Shortly after, the English tune, “Anacreon in Heaven” was added and in October a local Baltimore actor sang the words to this tune for the first time in public under the new title, “The Star Spangled Banner.”

   The Star Spangled Banner would be just one of the several popular patriotic songs in those years following the war.  On March 3, 1931, Francis Scott Key’s creation would become our Nation’s National Anthem.

   What became of that oversized American flag that was seen so proudly “by the dawn’s early light?” 

resides at the Smithsonian Institute behind an opaque curtain to protect if from light and dust.

   Our flag today consists of 13 horizontal stripes; 7 red alternating with 6 white, representing the 13 colonies and the stars represent the 50 states of the Union.  The colors of the flag are symbols as well.  Red symbolizes hardness and valor; white symbolizes purity and innocence; and blue represents vigilance, perseverance, and justice. 

Why Recycle? 

Recycling saves our natural resources; resources that are becoming depleted at record rate.  As we continue to use disposable packaging and products we fill the Earth with items that can take decades to decompose and in most cases items that can easily be made into other goods, called recycled products.  Approximately 150 to 200 million tons of items which have been disposed of in landfills and incinerators since the year 2000 could have easily been recycled into other types of packaging or wares.

  Without contributing to a recycling program, the amount of disposal items currently recorded takes a heavy toll on our planet’s natural resources such as minerals and petroleum; natural resources that are irreplaceable.  So how does recycling affect our natural resources?  As an example, for every ton of recycled steel our Earth saves 2,500 lbs. of iron ore, 1,000 lbs. of coal and 100 lbs. of limestone.

   Recycling reduces air and water pollution from the manufacturing process.  For example, just by recycling paper we reduce air pollution by about 75%.  Using scrap steel reduces air emissions by 85% and water pollution by 76%.  Recycling saves MONEY!

   In 1993, the average landfill dumping fee was $46 per ton.  Recycling may not reduce the cost of disposal but will definitely reduce the amount of waste destined for the landfill or incinerator.

This well-lighted area is available to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the drop off of these items.

   These containers receive newspapers and other paper products.  A good rule of thumb is anything that “rips” is accepted as paper recycling.

   Additional items accepted are aluminum cans, glass (clear, green and brown) and used motor oil, only.  No other oils are accepted.

   There are numerous ways in which we can help reduce our waste products and turn them in to recycled items.  More information on our township’s recycling programs and those available through the Delaware County Solid Waste Authority will appear in upcoming issues of Township Times.

   To speak to someone regarding what is and is not recyclable, please contact the Aston Township Municipal Building at 610-494-1636.  

Professional Profiles 

“I’m a fanatic for accountability,” states Commander John Burrell, post commander of American Legion 926.  “I believe in assigning responsibility to others and I follow up to make sure the jobs get done.”

   The jobs that Commander Burrell speaks of are the numerous charities that are financially supported and sponsored by the American Legion.   “What makes me the most proud is serving our veterans, their families, and community,” says Commander Burrell. 

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