The Star-Spangled Banner

“O say, can you see…” I love those words; the first five words of the Star-Spangled Banner. Whenever I hear our national anthem, I am filled with pride and patriotism for what this song stands for… Francis Scott Key wrote these words while viewing the American flag after an intense overnight battle. He went to sleep (if he even slept) to the sound of cannons, muskets and the sound of the American Fort McHenry being bombarded in one of the British attacks in the War of 1812. When he woke up the next morning, he expected to see the fort flattened, bodies scattered about, and no sign of an American flag- which meant surrender. Much to his surprise, however, he saw the valiant red and white and blue banner blowing magnificently in the sea breeze as the sun announced the new day. Filled with pride, and overcome with emotion, Key wrote down the words to America’s national anthem. He titled this poem “The Defense of Fort McHenry” and was later put to the well-known tune of “To Anacreon in Heaven”. We hear the song performed at major events and put our hand over our heart in tribute. I was at a basketball game, and while the National Anthem was performed, I felt a great sense of pride and gratitude. I looked around and saw a veteran (my step-Grandfather) and I wondered what it is like for him, and other war-heroes, to sing or hear the “Star-Spangled Banner”. I love this song for what it stands for, who it stands for and the glory of the freedom that I have today.