Penned by Francis Scott Key on Sept. 14, 1814, as a herald of hope and reminder of resiliency, “The Star-Spangled Banner” has been officially recognized as the national anthem of America for 90 years today.
First adapted for official use by the Navy in 1889, and then by former President Woodrow Wilson in 1916, it wasn’t until March 3, 1931, that former President Herbert Hoover signed a congressional resolution making it the national anthem of the USA.
Pastor Dudley Rutherford says, “It is my prayer that whenever we see the flag, which represents the United States of America, and whenever we hear the words of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ as it is sung, that we would stand in reverence for the miraculous events of that night in 1814 to honor the courageous men and women who have fought to keep our flag waving.”
What miraculous events? Listen here as Rutherford describes the historical account that inspired the song we know and love today—and why it matters.
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