It is sung before baseball games, school assemblies, Olympic medal ceremonies and Independence Day fireworks. National Anthem Day, on March 3, marks the anniversary of the day in 1931 when 'The Star-Spangled Banner' officially became the national anthem of the United States. Many Americans know the first verse by heart, but fewer know the dramatic story behind it.
History of National Anthem Day
During the War of 1812, British forces attacked Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor on September 13 and 14, 1814. Francis Scott Key, a lawyer, watched the bombardment from a ship. At dawn, he saw a large American flag still flying over the fort, a sign that it had not fallen.
Inspired, Key wrote a poem called 'Defense of Fort M'Henry'. It was soon set to the tune of a popular British song, 'To Anacreon in Heaven', and renamed 'The Star-Spangled Banner'. The song became popular, especially during the Civil War, and the U.S. Navy and Army adopted it for official occasions in the late 1800s.
In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson ordered it played at military and official events. After years of campaigns, Congress passed a law, signed by President Herbert Hoover on March 3, 1931, making it the official national anthem. The original flag that inspired Key is preserved at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History.
Why National Anthem Day Matters
The national anthem is a shared symbol that brings people together at public events and reminds Americans of the country's history.
Learning its story also connects people to a pivotal moment in the War of 1812 and the young nation's struggle to survive.
How to Celebrate National Anthem Day
- Learn the story: read about the Battle of Baltimore and Fort McHenry.
- Read all four verses: most people only know the first.
- Listen to different versions: compare famous performances over the years.
- Visit a historic site: Fort McHenry in Baltimore is a national monument.
- See the flag: the original Star-Spangled Banner is displayed at the Smithsonian.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, share the history of the anthem in a team message or highlight the story behind it at a company event. In classrooms, National Anthem Day is a rich history and music lesson: students can read the original poem, map the Battle of Baltimore, discuss the meaning of difficult words, and learn about the flag's size and preservation. Music classes can practice singing it. At home, families can watch a famous performance together, look up the full lyrics, or plan a visit to Fort McHenry or the Smithsonian. Talking about why anthems matter to countries around the world can make a good discussion with older children.
Fun Facts About National Anthem Day
- Francis Scott Key wrote the lyrics in 1814.
- The tune came from a British song, 'To Anacreon in Heaven'.
- President Hoover signed it into law as the national anthem on March 3, 1931.
National Anthem Day FAQs
When is National Anthem Day?
National Anthem Day is March 3.
Who wrote the national anthem?
Francis Scott Key wrote the lyrics in 1814.
When did it become the national anthem?
President Herbert Hoover signed it into law on March 3, 1931.
Where is the original flag?
It is at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.