American Symbols:
The National Anthem
| What is this symbol? The National Anthem is a poem and a song together called the "Star Spangled Banner." |
Where is it located?
The original poem is in the Maryland Historical Society.
What does it symbolize or represent?
The National Anthem symbolizes the United States.
Facts about this symbol: 1. The Star Spangled Banner's words were written in 1814 by Francis Scott Key. He was an American lawyer and poet. 2. Francis Scott Key was held on a British war ship during a battle near Fort McHenry. 3. He watched the British attack the fort in a battle during the War of 1812. The Americans won and the British lost the battle. 4. He was so happy he wrote a poem. The poem describes the battle with words such as "the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air." 5. The poem was so popular that people set it to music so they could sing it. 6. The United States government made it our national anthem in 1931. |
Key's original poem known as the "Star Spangled Banner." |
Did you know?
The name of the poem is actually "The Defense of Fort McHenry."
The Star Spangled Banner is actually the name of the flag flown over Fort McHenry.