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.'

The U.S. flag has 13 STRIPES because they represent the 13 ORIGINAL COLONIES that became the first 13 states. USCIS Civics Question: 'Why does the flag have 13 stripes?' — Accepted answers: because there were 13 original colonies; because the stripes represent the original colonies. The flag also has 50 STARS, one for each of the 50 current states. The 13 original colonies were: New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.

INDEPENDENCE DAY is celebrated on JULY 4. USCIS Civics Question: 'When do we celebrate Independence Day?' — Answer: July 4. This commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, when the 13 colonies declared their independence from Great Britain. OTHER U.S. HOLIDAYS that may appear: Labor Day (September), Thanksgiving (November), Memorial Day (May), Veterans Day (November 11), Presidents' Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day; Independence Day (the Fourth of July) is the national celebration of American independence.