On March 3, 1931, President Herbert Hoover signed a law making “The Star-Spangled Banner” the official national anthem of the United States. The song’s lyrics were written by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812 after he witnessed the British bombardment of Fort McHenry. It had been popular for decades before receiving official status. The tune’s adoption tied patriotic feeling to a specific historical moment of survival and resistance. Over the years, performances of the anthem have become central to sporting events and public ceremonies. The song has also been a stage for protest, debate, and discussion about freedom and civil rights.
