USA What is the national anthem of the US?

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The national anthem of the United States is "The Star-Spangled Banner."​

Learn about "The Star-Spangled Banner," the U.S. national anthem. Discover its history, lyrics, meaning, and key facts about its origins and significance.​

Key Facts About "The Star-Spangled Banner"​

• Lyrics: Written by Francis Scott Key in 1814.
• Music: Based on a British tune called "To Anacreon in Heaven."
• Official Adoption: Became the official U.S. national anthem on March 3, 1931.

History and Meaning​

• Francis Scott Key wrote the poem after witnessing the Battle of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812.
• He was inspired by the sight of the American flag still waving after an intense British bombardment.
• The anthem symbolizes American resilience, freedom, and patriotism.

The U.S. National Anthem: "The Star-Spangled Banner"​

"The Star-Spangled Banner" is the official national anthem of the United States, symbolizing patriotism, resilience, and freedom. Here’s everything you need to know about its history, lyrics, and meaning.

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1. History of "The Star-Spangled Banner"​

Inspiration: The War of 1812​

• The song was written by Francis Scott Key on September 14, 1814, during the Battle of Fort McHenry in the War of 1812.
• Key, a lawyer and amateur poet, was on a British ship negotiating the release of an American prisoner.
• He watched as the British bombarded Fort McHenry (Baltimore, Maryland) throughout the night.
• By morning, he saw that the American flag was still flying, signaling that the U.S. had defended the fort.
• Inspired by this sight, he wrote a poem titled "Defence of Fort M'Henry."

The Melody​

• The poem was later set to the tune of "To Anacreon in Heaven," a popular British song composed by John Stafford Smith.
• The song became widely popular and was often played at patriotic events.

Official Adoption​

• On March 3, 1931, President Herbert Hoover signed a law making "The Star-Spangled Banner" the official national anthem of the United States.

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2. Lyrics of "The Star-Spangled Banner"​

First Verse (Most Commonly Sung)​

Oh, say can you see, by the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,
O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there;
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave,
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

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Additional Verses (Rarely Sung)​

Second Verse​

On the shore dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe’s haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o’er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning’s first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:
’Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh long may it wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Third Verse​

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore,
That the havoc of war and the battle’s confusion,
A home and a country, should leave us no more?
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps’ pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave,
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Fourth Verse​

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war’s desolation!
Blest with vict’ry and peace, may the Heaven-rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: “In God is our trust.”
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

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3. Meaning and Symbolism​

Each line of the anthem reflects American resilience, courage, and national pride:

• "Oh, say can you see, by the dawn’s early light" – Key is asking if we can still see the American flag in the morning after the battle.
• "The rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air" – Describes the intense bombardment during the battle.
• "Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there" – Despite the attack, the American flag remained flying, symbolizing U.S. victory.
• "O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave" – Represents the U.S. as a nation of freedom and bravery.

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4. How the Anthem Is Used Today​

National and Sporting Events​

• The anthem is played at sports events, military ceremonies, and government functions.
• Since 1918, it has been a tradition at Major League Baseball games and other sporting events.

Military and National Protocol​

• When the anthem is played, citizens are encouraged to stand, remove hats, and place their right hand over their heart.
• Military personnel salute when in uniform.

Famous Performances​

Many artists have performed memorable renditions, including:

• Whitney Houston (1991 Super Bowl)
• Jimi Hendrix (Woodstock 1969, electric guitar version)
• Lady Gaga (2016 Super Bowl)

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5. Interesting Facts About "The Star-Spangled Banner"​

The original flag that inspired the anthem is on display at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.
The anthem has a wide vocal range, making it challenging to sing (spanning 1.5 octaves).
A law was proposed in 1918 to make it the national anthem, but it wasn’t officially adopted until 1931.
The song was not originally intended to be the anthem, but its powerful message made it the most fitting choice.

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Conclusion​

"The Star-Spangled Banner" is more than just a song—it is a symbol of America’s strength, perseverance, and freedom. It tells the story of a battle that proved the resilience of the young nation and continues to inspire Americans today.