Fact Check: The US government commissioned the Spanish version of the Star-Spangled Banner, El Pendón Estrellado, in 1945.

Fact Check: "The US government commissioned the Spanish version of the Star-Spangled Banner, El Pendón Estrellado, in 1945."

What We Know

The claim that the U.S. government commissioned a Spanish version of "The Star-Spangled Banner," titled "El Pendón Estrellado," in 1945 is supported by multiple credible sources. Clotilde Arias, a Peruvian immigrant, was commissioned by the U.S. State Department to create a singable translation of the national anthem during a time when the U.S. was seeking to strengthen ties with Latin America through cultural exchange initiatives, particularly under the Good Neighbor Policy (National Museum of American History, NPR). This translation was intended to promote American patriotism abroad and was part of a broader effort to connect with Latin American countries (BBC).

Arias's translation was not only commissioned but also designed to be sung to the original melody of the anthem, making it a unique contribution to American cultural history (NBC Los Angeles). The translation remained relatively obscure until it was revived by the choir Coral Cantigas, which performed it as part of a Smithsonian exhibition dedicated to Arias's life and work (Palabra).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim is robust, with multiple reputable sources confirming the commissioning of "El Pendón Estrellado" by the U.S. government in 1945. The National Museum of American History provides a detailed account of the translation's purpose and its connection to the Good Neighbor Policy, emphasizing the U.S. government's intent to foster goodwill through cultural initiatives (source-1). NPR corroborates this by detailing how Arias's translation was part of a broader strategy to share American patriotism with Latin America during the post-World War II era (source-2).

The sources used in this analysis are credible, coming from established institutions like the Smithsonian and respected media outlets such as NPR and BBC. They provide a well-rounded view of both the historical context and the significance of Arias's work. There are no significant counterarguments or evidence that contradicts the claim, reinforcing its validity.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that the U.S. government commissioned the Spanish version of the Star-Spangled Banner, "El Pendón Estrellado," in 1945 is accurate. The evidence from multiple reliable sources confirms that Clotilde Arias was commissioned to create this translation as part of a cultural initiative aimed at strengthening ties with Latin America during a pivotal time in U.S. history.

Sources

1. Singing "El Pendón Estrellado" - National Museum of American History
2. An Immigrant's 'Star-Spangled Banner,' En Espanol - NPR
3. From star-spangled to estrellado: US Anthem translator - BBC
4. What is 'El Pendón Estrellado?' The history behind the Spanish-language - NBC Los Angeles
5. El Pendón Estrellado - palabra.
6. Nezza's translated national anthem shines light on a forgotten Latina - Los Angeles Times
7. Nezza sings national anthem in Spanish at Dodgers as - The Guardian
8. An Unsung Anthem: El Pendón Estrellado is the powerful symbolism - AL DÍA News