A Star Spangled Memorial

I had an incredible experience. One that will stay with me long into the future.

I went to Ft. McHenry, the inspiration for the national anthem. Francis Scott Key, a Georgetown attorney, was seeking release of his friend, Dr. William Beanes from the British. Though Scott and John Stuart Skinner were able to secure the release of Beanes, the British thought they knew too much about plans to attack Baltimore. The British kept them on the on board one of their ships until the bombardment was complete.

From the ship deck, Key saw the storm flag flying above Ft. McHenry and could see the bombs bursting in the night sky above the fort. In the morning as the smoke cleared and the bombing ended, Key saw the larger flag flyer above the fort. All of this served as his inspiration. The date was September 3, 1814.


When visiting Ft. McHenry today, they have a wonderful video that provides the backdrop on the fort and its history. As the story reaches the writing of Key's poem, the curtains covering the window open to reveal the fort and the flag flying above.

It was amazing!

I knew the story of Key and the words. In fact, I tell people about the connection with his son and General Sickles from the Civil War (I'll leave this for another blog post.) I have sang the national anthem hundreds of times, for small groups and large. Now, I will always have the picture of the flag at the fort in my head when I sing the national anthem.

Happy Memorial Day!

Looking forward to summer fun!

Time flies too quickly. It may have been all of the traveling the band and I have done. We played in Manhattan and Indianapolis to name a few!

Now, summer is almost upon us. And, this summer is shaping up to be a great one! Check out the highlight of upcoming events!

June 13th - Delphos, Ohio Community Concert at Stadium Park. Come watch the band at this great location.



June 25th - Digger and Finch. The Bill Foley Trio will be performing from 8-11PM.



Don't forget, Bill Foley performs solo through the week at such places as Carsonie's Italian Restaurant (Wednesdays) and Signature's in Gahanna (Thursdays). To see the full calendar or additional summer shows, visit the calendar at http://www.omgilts.com/.

My Heart is Red

Tomorrow is an important day. It is the National Wear Red Day.

Everyone will be searching their closets for that perfect red item to show their support for the fight against cardiovascular disease in women. It’s a valuable message that was slow to take hold. Most women didn’t realize their risk was greater for heart disease than breast cancer.

This was true for my mom. My angel mother had diabetes and she smoked. She cared for us, but didn’t care for herself. With these risk factors, it was only time before she had heart disease. It started with high blood pressure and continued until she had open heart surgery.

Of course, we didn’t know the things we know now back in 1994. That’s when she had her surgery. And, that’s when I lost her. She was only 62 years old.
Science has evolved. We know so much more now. For instance, I inherited some of my parents’ bad genes. But, I take my medication, I don’t smoke and try to do the right things.

Wear Red Day is a fun way to show your support, but it isn’t about one day. Every day should be Wear Red Day as we all do the things necessary to live longer, healthier lives.

I know I can’t bring my mom back. What I can do is be healthy myself and encourage those I care most about to do the same. Learn about your risk factors and do something about them. And, wear your red. I’ll have mine on to honor my mother, Dorothy Foley!

Love you mom!

-Bill