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Fun facts about the ‘Star-Spangled Banner’

WTOP Staff | WTOP_website@wtop.com

September 8, 2014, 2:02 PM

The song is based on the 1814 poem "Defence of Fort M'Henry" The Star Spangled Banner was penned by 35-year old lawyer/poet Francis Scott Key after witnessing the bombing of Fort McHenry.(AP Photo)
AP Photo
The poem was set to the song "To Anacreon in Heaven" This was a popular British song written by John Safford Smith. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images
The song didn't officially become the national anthem until 1931 via congressional resolution Herbert Hoover signed the resolution. (Photo by General Photographic Agency/Getty Images)
Photo by General Photographic Agency/Getty Images
There are actually four verses to the song In 1814, the first documented public performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" took place at the Holliday Street Theater in Baltimore. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images
Francis Scott Key is buried in Frederick, Maryland's Mount Olivet Cemetery (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Celebrating the 200th Anniversary of our National Anthem O Say Can You See! Star-Spangled Spectacular is a free festival that celebrates the 200th anniversary of our National Anthem. Tall ships, Navy ships and the Blue Angels will come to Baltimore's famed Inner Harbor to celebrate The Star-Spangled Banner.

Landside festivals include living history demonstrations, a family fun zone, live musical performances, and Chesapeake food and beverage. Events crescendo on Sept 13 with two star-studded patriotic concerts and extraordinary fireworks display over Fort McHenry and the Baltimore harbor, which will broadcast live on PBS' Great Performances.
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