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n Anlot of Americans know that the poem “The Star-Spangled Banner”nwas written by Francis Scott Key about a battle in the War of 1812.nWhat they may not know is that that particular battle occurred in 1814, and thenname of the poem was “Defense of Fort McHenry.” There was nontune—it was a poem, not a song.
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nFornyears, some Americans sang Key’s poem to the tune of a popularnBritish drinking song. Finally, on this date in 1931, Congressndesignated “The Star-Spangled Banner”—complete with the tune ofnthat old drinking song—as the national anthem of the United States.
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nEnjoy—sing!—learnnmore about the national anthem.
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- Herenis a nice printable copy of the lyrics.
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- ThenSmithsonian has the actual flag that Francis Scott Key wrote about.
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- Readnabout how Key came to write his famous poem at Apples 4 the Teacher.
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- Listen to three kids sing the quite difficult song.
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nAlsonon this date:
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nJapanese Doll Festival
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nUnity Day in Sudan
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