Francis Scott Key was born in Frederick, Maryland, on August 1, 1779. He was a lawyer, author, and poet. Francis Key received all his education at home until age 10, when he attended a grammar school in Annapolis. During the War of 1812, Francis Key went out at dawn, which is when he witnessed the American Flag still standing, which inspired him to make The Star-Spangled Banner.
The Star-Spangled Banner was named after the large American flag, which had 13 total red and white stripes representing the 13 colonies and 50 stars representing the states. Originally, the flag had only 13 stars, but as time went on, and more states were established, we now have a total of 50 stars on the American Flag. The American Flag inspired Francis Key to write the poem that became our national anthem on March 3, 1931. After Francis Key witnessed its defiant display over Fort McHenry during the War of 1812, The Star-Spangled Banner got its first name, ‘The Defence of Fort McHenry.’
The lyrics of The Star-Spangled Banner have deep meanings. For example, “Whose broad stripes and bright stars thro’ the perilous fight, O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?” This line describes the American flag, with its “broad stripes and bright stars,” waving gallantly over the fort’s defenses during the dangerous battle. “And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof thro’ the night that our flag was still there.” This describes the British bombardment, with the rockets and bombs lighting up the sky, but the flag still flying, proving that the fort was not defeated. “O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.” This phrase encapsulates the core values of the nation: freedom and bravery. It highlights the American spirit of independence and the willingness to defend the nation.
The Star-Spangled Banner started playing at sports events on May 15, 1862, inspiring a new tradition during the 1918 World Series between the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs when a band played The Star-Spangled Banner. Sports events started playing the Star-Spangled Banner as a way to boost wartime patriotism and national unity. Some people wonder why announcers always say, “Gentlemen take off your caps.” People take their hats off to show respect for the flag, and they put their lives on the line for the nation.
For major sporting events, some well-known artists and even smaller artists are given the privilege to perform the national anthem. Chris Stapleton performed the national anthem at Super Bowl LVII, Ingrid Andress performed her unique rendition of the national anthem at the Home Run Derby in Texas, which went viral, and Melissa Etheridge performed the national anthem at the 2024 National Women’s Soccer League Championship on November 23. There are so many other people who have been given the chance to perform the national anthem before the beginning of the games. People always want the best performers to perform our national anthem to show respect for America.
The Star-Spangled Banner symbolizes emotions such as happiness and pride. It reminds people about the history of the British Forces’ attack on the United States of America in 1812. The Star-Spangled Banner continues to play because of those who fought and are still fighting to keep our freedom for the country that we love. Some of the sports events have jets flying over the stadium while someone is singing The Star-Spangled Banner. The national anthem is engraved in almost every American’s brain and heart and will continue to be played for years and years to come.
