Francis Scott Key wrote the lyrics to “The Star Spangled Banner” in 1814 while watching the British bombard Fort McHenry. As the sun rose, he could see the American flag flying amid the explosions. That vision inspired him to write the poem “Defense of Fort McHenry.” Later the poem was set to music composed by John Stafford Smith and became “The Star Spangled Banner.” In 1931 “The Star Spangled Banner” be came the National Anthem of the United States.

Those not familiar with our nation’s history may think that the anthem was composed during the American Revolution. Not so. The battle of Fort McHenry took place during the War of 1812 when the British tried to reestablish their hold over the young United States. They shanghaied Americans to serve on ships in the Royal Navy, restricted our trade and supported Native Americans in their effort to prevent our western expansion. We held on to our independence despite the British raiding the new capital in Washington D.C. and burning the buildings, including the White House.

You will probably hear the National Anthem over the 4th of July weekend or at the beginning of a ball game. When you hear it, think of the bombing of Fort McHenry. And when you watch the fireworks in the sky think of the “rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air.” And through it all, the “broad stripes and bright stars” waved over the land of the free.