Top 10 Facts about the Star-Spangled Banner, the American National Anthem

Photo by Wikimedia commons – Wikimedia

Top 10 Facts about the Star-Spangled Banner, the American National Anthem

The American National Anthem was first penned down by Francis Scott Key. Basically, he wasn’t writing the anthem, but a usual poem. Once the poem is song, it became the national anthem.

He was born on August 1, 1779 at Maryland, in a place called Terra Rubra where his family lived. Later in life, he became a prominent lawyer and was appointed the US Attorney for he District of Columbia.

He died on January 11, 1843. His death was caused by pleurisy.

Originally, the title was The Defense of Fort M’Henry. It was written after Maryland fort was bombarded by the British troops during the War in 1812. Therefore the poem was written on September 14, 1814.

The war was prompted by the Americans declaring war on Great Britain because of the trade disagreements. This pushed the British troops to invade Washington, D.C.

The war was so bad that the British burned down the White House, Capitol Building and Library of Congress.

At the weak of the morning after the British troops attack, which filled the American space with bombs bursting and rocket’s red glare, the American flag still remained flying in the air.

Key watched as the Fort McHenry was being bombed by the British. Although they never succeeded, he was inspired to write what he witnessed. He could not believe the fierce fighting left the American flag intact,  hence the poem as a tribute.

The poem was later to be printed in newspapers and later st to the popular English drinking tune call “To Anacreon in Heaven” composed by John Stafford Smith.

Naturally, people began denoting to the song as “The Star-Spangled Banner”. In 1961, President Woodrow Wilson declared the song to be played at all official events. The song was far along adopted as the national anthem on March 3, 1931 by President Herbert Hoover.

The song has change over time since 1814. In actual fact, if Francis Scott Key was to come back to life, he couldn’t recognize it.

1. Francis Scott Key

Photo by Wikimedia commons – Wikimedia

The person who wrote the American National Anthem (Francis Scott Key) was born on August 1, 1779 at Terra Rubra, Maryland.

He was a very prominent lawyer at the time. Due to his competence, he was appointed US attorney for the District of Columbia.  His home state was Maryland and Washington, DC.

2. Star-Spangled Banner, symbolizes Enduring Values

All the American flags have symbols of patriotism, Freedom and Independence.

 

The fact is that Patriotism stands devotion towards the country. During the British attack on Fort M’Henry, the American troops fought with devotion to their country.

 

In connection to the symbol of devotion, the American have remained united and devoted. This was seen after the Hurricane Katrina when millions of Americans gave donation while others went to rebuild home for the homeless communities.

3. The song was composed by John Stafford Smith

The poem was later to be printed in newspapers and later st to the popular English drinking tune called “To Anacreon in Heaven” composed by John Stafford Smith.

4. President President Herbert Hoover signed the song as a National Anthem

Photo by Wikimedia commons – Wikimedia

The song was naturally denoted by the American people. They sang to the song “The Star-Spangled Banner”. In 1961, it was declared that the song should be played on all official events.

The song was far along adopted as the national anthem on March 3, 1931 through the act of congress. This was signed into law by President Herbert Hoover.

5. Why the Star-Spangled Banner Become American National Anthem

The soldiers at Baltimore’s Fort McHenry raised a huge American Flag in celebration of victory over the British forces during the war of 1812.

The sight of the broad stripes ad bright stars were a great inspiration to Francis Scott Key, who wrote a song that ultimately developed to the united States of America National Anthem.

6. The American Flag before 1812.

Photo by Noah Wulf – Wikimedia

Until 1812 when the American flag remained after the war with the British troops, the flag was never used as a symbol of leadership.

However, the flags appearance over Fort McHenry  was a great inspiration to the public. This is where the American National Anthem was born.

7. The Original American Flag Still Exists

The public was very impressed by the fact that, their country’s flag remained after a lot was destroyed during the American-British war. 

Therefore, the military stores at Bennington had the flag still flying high in the air on August 16, 1777. During this time, General John Stark’s militia led Americans to Victory.

Before the war, Americans rarely used the flag to express patriotism.

This victory guaranteed the importance of the original flag, hence, it’s storage at the Bennington Vermont Museum.

8. The Song is Different from the original

The song has changed over time and in fact, many people many not recognize it in today’s version. The intention originally was for a group of people to sing together.

Francis Scott Key himself wouldn’t recognize today’s version of the national anthem. The song was originally intended for a group of people to sing together.

Today “The Star-Spangled Banner” has become a complete soloist affair, and the pace and general tempo is often much slower.

9. The song has very high keys for singers

Actually, the American National Anthem has proved to be difficulties in terms of many super stars being unable to sing it.

Kenneth Slowik, director of the Smithsonian Chamber Music Society has been quoted saying that the notes are very high, throat straining in particular the key “e” at the end of “Free”.

10. The Carton that made a difference

Robert Ripley published an item in his syndicated Ripley’s believe it or not carton. The fact on this was that the Americans did not have a national anthem.

He was criticized by many. However, he organized a campaigned hat gathered five million signatures petitioning the congress for a national anthem.

This petition lead to President Herbert Hoover signing into law

The Star-Spangled Banner as the official national anthem of the United States of America in 1931.

This can be referred by many as the power of communication through a single carton.

The most important fact about the star-stangled banner the American National Anthem is that is still makes since to the unity and devotion of the American people.