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The first verse of the anthem is about how the British attacked Fort McHenry and how the sky looked, full of exploding rockets, and how the flag remained flying. America was free and had not been beaten! The second verse describes the British being defeated and still the flag waved. The third verse explains the way the British bragged about defeating the Americans. Instead of destroying "the land of the free and the home of the brave," the British had been destroyed and beaten. The fourth and final verse expresses a hope. It asks that whenever people stand up for the good of their nation, they will defeat their enemies both big and small. It is also like a prayer praising the powers that helped the Americans stay together and fight for what which they believed. Americans fought to make their world a better place. Because of that, they had to win.
Francis Key wrote the poem, which is now our nation's anthem, on the back of a letter that he had in his pocket. He continued to write as he was rowed ashore by the British. He rewrote part of it in his room that night. Later it was set to the music of an old English song. The Star Spangled Banner was published in 1815 and, in 1931, was officially adopted as the national anthem of the United States.
Francis Scott Key, son of an established Maryland family, was born on August 1, 1779, in Western Maryland on the family estate of "Terra Rubra."
Francis made his home in Georgetown, just west of where the modern day Key Bridge, from 1804 to around 1833 with his wife Mary and their six sons and five daughters.
On January 11, 1843, Francis died of pleurisy, a disease that affects the chest and lungs, while visiting his sister in Baltimore. Today, he rests in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Frederick, Maryland. The flag he so honored was moved from Fort McHenry, and given to the Smithsonian Institute for much needed repairs and restoration.
Written by Jessie, Cynthia, and Dana
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