The Star Spangled Banner

A national anthem is a patriotic song sung to promote a sense of loyalty to one's country. These songs are often played on special occasions. One of the most famous national anthems is the anthem of the United States, "The Star Spangled Banner."

History of "The Star Spangled Banner"

"The Star Spangled Banner" was composed by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812. Key was a lawyer who was sent on a mission to the British fleet near Baltimore. An American physician was imprisoned on a British ship, and Key went to try and get him released. The British attacked Fort McHenry on September 13, 1814, while Key watched. The next morning, Key was moved by the image of the American flag flying over the fort. This experience inspired him to write "The Star Spangled Banner." He wrote the lyrics on the back of an envelope, and the anthem took the tune of "To Anacreon in Heaven" by John Stafford Smith. The song was introduced by a singer in a tavern that same day. Newspapers and songbooks began publishing the verses, and Congress made the song the official national anthem of the United States on March 3, 1931.

Today, "The Star Spangled Banner" is performed at various football and baseball games all across the country. Many popular entertainers have performed the anthem, including Whitney Houston, Steven Tyler and Christina Aguilera. While performances of the national anthem have provided entertainment at many fun sports outings, it is important to remember that the song was written during a time of war, and serves as a great sign of respect for the United Sates of America.