Symbols and Holidays: Practice Questions & Explanations

THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER is the national anthem of the United States. It was designated the official national anthem by Congress in 1931. The lyrics were written by FRANCIS SCOTT KEY in September 1814 during the War of 1812 — Key witnessed the British bombardment of Fort McHenry (near Baltimore, Maryland) throughout the night and was inspired when he saw the American flag still flying over the fort the following morning. He wrote the poem 'Defence of Fort M'Henry,' which was later set to the tune of a British drinking song called 'To Anacreon in Heaven.' The national anthem is now sung before major sporting events, official government ceremonies, and other patriotic occasions. The first verse is most commonly sung: 'O say, can you see, by the dawn's early light, / What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming...' The song is known for its challenging vocal range. USCIS Civics Question 98 asks the name of the national anthem; 'The Star-Spangled Banner' is the required answer. Other patriotic American songs (not the anthem): 'America the Beautiful' (written by Katharine Lee Bates, 1893); 'God Bless America' (written by Irving Berlin, popularized by Kate Smith); 'My Country 'Tis of Thee' (also known as 'America,' often sung at patriotic events but not the anthem); 'Yankee Doodle.'