READ/WATCH: Star-Spangled Banner (National Anthem)

History Behind Our National Anthem-- "The Star Spangled Banner"

Francis Scott Key pens a poem which is later set to music and in 1931 becomes America's national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner." The poem, originally titled "The Defence of Fort McHenry," was written after Key witnessed the Maryland fort being bombarded by the British during the War of 1812. Key was inspired by the sight of a lone U.S. flag still flying over Fort McHenry at daybreak, as reflected in the now-famous words of the "Star-Spangled Banner": "And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.

Summary taken from http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/key-pens-star-spangled-banner

View this moving video that details the events and inspiration behind the poem, originally titled "The Defence of Fort McHenry," and now known as the song "The Star-Spangled Banner"