What does the U.S. national anthem mean?
The U.S. national anthem is “The Star-Spangled Banner.” President Woodrow Wilson ordered it be played at both military and naval occasions in 1916. It was not until 1931 that an act of Congress designated it the national anthem.HistoryIn 1814, Francis Scott Key wrote the words of “The Star-Spangled Banner” as a poem. He was inspired to write them after seeing the U.S. flag flying over Fort McHenry, even after a heavy night of fighting, during the War of 1812.SymbolismThe major symbolism of “The Star-Spangled Banner” is the image of the flag. According to the Smithsonian, “Key’s words gave new significance to a national symbol and started a tradition through which generations of Americans have invested the flag with their own meanings and memories.”PatriotismThe anthem can stir up patriotic feelings in Americans. It’s played before most sporting events in the U.S. and at other gatherings. It’s even played when an American athlete is awarded the gold medal in the Olympics.Military Meanin
