Bradford Era — by Fran De Lancey

Knowing the story behind the Star-Spangled Banner would prompt people to show more respect to our national anthem, said Smethport Area High School band director Matt Bailey, in remarks prepared for the McKean County Historical Society’s annual dinner meeting Thursday at the East Smethport United Christian Church.

“Have you been to an athletic or patriotic event and as someone was performing the national anthem, people around you were not even paying attention?” he asked the more than 50 people in the audience. “Perhaps they didn’t have their hand over their heart or hadn’t even removed their hat and not even looking at the flag, just disengaged and disconnected. Read More »