Other editions of book The Star-Spangled Banner: Story of Our National Anthem

In September of 1814, the United States was a relatively young country engaged in a war with the most powerful nation of the time, Great Britain. A British fleet launched a devastating overnight bombardment of the American fort that defended Baltimore harbor. As the sun rose the next morning, a young lawyer named Francis Scott Key who had observed the battle saw that the American flag was still flying. Inspired, he wrote a poem that would later be set to music as "The Star-Spangled Banner"—our national anthem. Today, "The Star-Spangled Banner" is often performed before sporting events and other public functions. The national anthem is an important patriotic symbol because it reminds us about a critical moment in American history, and how our flag—which represents American democracy and values—has continued to fly proudly despite all attacks and outside pressures.

In September of 1814, the United States was a relatively young country engaged in a war with the most powerful nation of the time, Great Britain. A British fleet launched a devastating overnight bombardment of the American fort that defended Baltimore harbor. As the sun rose the next morning, a young lawyer named Francis Scott Key who had observed the battle saw that the American flag was still flying. Inspired, he wrote a poem that would later be set to music as The Star-Spangled Bannerour national anthem. Today, The Star-Spangled Banner is often performed before sporting events and other public functions. The national anthem is an important patriotic symbol because it reminds us about a critical moment in American history, and how our flagwhich represents American democracy and valueshas continued to fly proudly despite all attacks and outside pressures.