NATIONAL ANTHEM “THE STAR -SPANGLED BANNER
Composer:
Francis Scott Key was an American lawyer, author, and amateur poet from Frederick, Maryland, who is best known for writing the lyrics for the American national anthem “The Star-Spangled Banner”. Key observed the British bombardment of Fort McHenry in 1814 during the War of 1812.
Etiquette:
As citizens, our US Federal Statute (36 U.S. Code § 301 – National Anthem) says we should face the flag (or face toward the music if there is no flag) and stand at attention with the right hand over the heart. Military and veterans (whether covered or uncovered, indoors or out) use the hand salute.
Lyrics:
The Star-Spangled Banner
O say, can you see
By the dawn’s early light
What so proudly we hail’d
At the twilight’s last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars
Through the perilous fight
O’er the ramparts we watch’d
Were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket’s red glare
The bombs bursting in air
Gave proof through the night
That our flag was still there
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free
And the home of the brave?
VFWA Department of Oregon Patriotic Instructor
Darlene Wisdom, 2022 – 2023
