March 3: “The Star-Spangled Banner” Becomes the Official U.S. National Anthem (1931)
Prayer Idea
Pray for people in the United States to seek unity and cooperation with each other and with people in other nations.
History Note
Francis Scott Key composed lyrics describing a battle during the War of 1812 between the United States and the United Kingdom. The lyrics fit a popular British tune, and the lyrics and music became known as “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
During the 19th century, several patriotic songs gained popularity among Americans. In 1889 the U.S. Navy made “The Star-Spangled Banner” the official tune played to accompany the raising of the U.S. flag. President Woodrow Wilson used the song like a national anthem at official ceremonies.
After World War I, Americans debated whether to adopt a national anthem, and, if so, whether “The Star-Spangled Banner” should be that song. Some people objected to the militaristic language and to the difficulty of singing the song.
John Linthicum, a U.S. representative from Maryland (where the words were written), led the effort in Congress to recognize “The Star-Spangled Banner” as the national anthem of the United States. His bill passed the House in 1930 and the Senate in 1931. President Herbert Hoover signed the legislation on March 3, 1931.
Americans do not and will not always agree. But we can choose to listen to each other, recognize what we have in common, and work to make our country better in the future.
This is Francis Scott Key’s original manuscript of the lyrics for “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Learn More
This video is a performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” as it was originally published in 1814.
Learn more at Homeschool History.
