TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Fun Facts About 'The Star-Spangled Banner'

ADVERTISEMENT

Tribune research by Melanie Coon

Published: November 26, 2007

* In 1814, Francis Scott Key wrote the "The Star-Spangled Banner," a poem, set to a well-known British drinking song, "To Anacreon in Heaven."

* In 1916, Woodrow Wilson ordered that the "Banner" should be played by the military and naval services.

* On March 3, 1931, the "Banner" was designated the national anthem by an act of Congress.

* Key's poem had 4 verses, although today only the first stanza is usually sung.

* The song's first confirmed performance at a sporting event was at the 1918 World Series.

* During World War II, the tradition of singing the anthem at sporting events spread.

Sources: The World Almanac 2005, Encyclopedia Smithsonian, Tribune wires

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT