Who wrote the US National Anthem?

Each time I hear his words, I'm reminded of the numbers of patriots bodies found holding up the flag that the British tried to destroy. No history should ever be destroyed, including the confederate flag. It's part of our nation's struggle to grow. It doesn't mean we are racists or prejudice. Do we hate the British? The Japanese? History is essential to our continued growth. Live & learn.God Bless our race, the HUMAN one!

Francis Scott Key wrote a poem, not the national anthem. People began singing his poem to a drinking song. And THAT was the birth of the national anthem.

I know the National Anthem very well. Or so I thought I did. I just recently learned and heard the whole version. As an African American I was shocked to hear what had been removed from the version that I so proudly stand for and sing every time I hear it. I understand that those were different times, it just makes me wonder what other Historical Documents and Patriotic Songs have eliminated original verses or statements to accommodate our African Americans Citizens who built this great Country with their Blood Sweat and Tears.

History contains context, Winston Churchill once said, "The father back you look, the further ahead you can see."By removing history, no matter how deplorable, it removes the context of where we are now.

Neireuda Brito, Francis Scott Key did not compose the music.

Neireuda Brito, No Dear, Sorry but you are incorrect. John Stafford Smith wrote the music! It was an English Drinking song 'Anacreon' written in 1775! The original words are worth a google. 😃

The poem is called THE DEFENSE OF FORT MCHENRY.

ahcmdeme, I suppose that you are referring to the 3rd verse that says: No refuge could save the hire-ling and slave From the ter-ror of flight or the gloom of the grave. And the star spangled banner in triumph doth wave O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave. That verse is still in the song and always will be there. The verse means that it took everyone to drive out the British and that not just the land holders and rich fought the battles, the hirelings and slaves also took up arms and died for this Nation.

I should get this right. He is grave site is around the block from me in NY

Kindra Morgan-Nappo, The British and the Japanese are from different countries. The Confederates were Americans who took up arms against their own government. Not the same thing!

Glad UMCP has a building named after that general, so do remember it.

I get goosebumps when I hear it!

I've never really felt the feeling when hearing that, that I feel when hearing America The Beautiful

Kindra Morgan-Nappo, while I agree with you on some points. There is a difference between remembering, educating, and celebrating a symbol of evil. While I too believe the Confederate flag was not intended to be a symbol of racism and hate when it was created. It certainly became one in present day. I assume it will continue to be shown in history books not unlike the swastikas of Nazi Germany for educational purposes. Being born an raised a Daughter of The Republic of Texas. I can tell you first hand it is unfortunate that so many hate groups chose this flag as their symbol. I have some 12 or more generations here in Texas now. And my family came to the US during the Colonization sometime in the early 1600's . Fought in every war, revolution, civil, some on different sides and even including the Alamo. ww1, ww2, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf wars. However, as a foster parent, with 7 grown natural children, 3 grandchildren and counting. I have seen the hurt, the undeniable damage that these symbols have done to us as a nation. It caused separation and devastation to every generation within my own family, not to mention an entire nation of people of every race or creed.

A great patriot and at the right place of time.

Donna Joy McLean Cleveland, But they should keep one around just as reminder, it could happen again if everyone forgets.

RM Mike Walkos, you are thinking of General Armistead, not Armitage.

Kindra Morgan-Nappo, Nazi flag part of history. They do not fly it to honor Nazi part of their history. Only one example.

I agree 100% Kindra Morgan-Nappo,

Mike Dorman, and the Armitage family who kept the flag for many years fought for the Confederacy and General Armitage is credited as being the man who acieved the "High water" mark during Pickett's charge at Gettysburg.

As a retired elementary music teacher,I always did a unit on patriotism and of course the history of the anthem was taught along with flag etiquette. Students rarely knew what "as the ramparts we watched" actually meant. Many adults don't. All part of the lesson!

ahcmdeme, I read that story also, it's very hurtful.

Got it