Cord Byrd: “In August 1814, during the War of 1812, the British Navy bombarded Fort McHenry in Baltimore. A lawyer and amateur poet…”

“In August 1814, during the War of 1812, the British Navy bombarded Fort McHenry in Baltimore. A lawyer and amateur poet named Francis Scott Key from nearby Washington witnessed the attack from a British ship, where he had been attempting to secure the release of some American prisoners. The bombardment continued through the night and many watching feared that the fort, which guarded the approach to Baltimore, would shatter under the onslaught. When at last the dawn came, Fort McHenry still stood, its enormous American flag, though tattered, still flying. The exhausted British forces retreated. Francis Scott Key captured the relief and exhilaration of that turning point in history in a poem, which he titled 'The Defense of Fort M'Henry.' His verses were subsequently printed widely, and a note added that said the accompanying tune was 'Anacreon in Heaven,' then a popular tune. In October 1814, a Baltimore actor sang Key's new song in a public performance, calling it, for the first time, 'The Star Spangled Banner.' The Star Spangled Banner became the national anthem in 1931 by an act of Congress. Though difficult for many people to sing, this anthem has retained its popularity because it so eloquently captures the love we have as a nation for our flag and the tender regard we have for the Nation those colors represent. Since the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Americans have grown used to the sight of American flags.”