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An almanac entry about the ** history ** of the U.S. ** national ** ** anthem ** is presented. "The Star-Spangled Banner" was ordered played by the military and naval services by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916. It was designated the ** national ** ** anthem ** by Act of Congress on March 3, 1931. The words were written by Francis Scott Key, of Georgetown, Maryland, during the bombardment of Fort McHenry, Baltimore on September 13-14, 1814.
 * From World Almanac and Book of facts **

After the British withdrew, their effort to topple Fort McHenry a failure, they released Key and Dr. Beanes. In Baltimore, Key completed his poem, which he called "In Defense of Fort McHenry." Within days, the poem was printed on handbills and handed out in the streets of Baltimore. At the time, an old English song called "To Anacreon in Heaven" was popular in America. Key wrote his words to the melody and meter of that song.
 * By David Lester from Boy’s Life **

According to a 2004 Harris Interactive survey, nearly two out of three Americans (61 percent) are unable to recall all of the words to [|The Star-Spangled Banner]. (EL)

The tune of "the star-spangeled banner" is based off an old drinking song, and the lyrics are militaristic. (EL)

"I am not in favor of the college's decision to play the **anthem**," said Marlys Weaver, 22, a senior from Goshen and editor of the college newspaper. "Images of war run throughout all the verses of the **anthem**, and Mennonites, as pacifists, work with active and involved non-violent options." (EL)

"The Star-Spangled Banner" has been the national anthem since an act of Congress in 1931. (EL)

Quote from [] ,an online petition site to change the National Anthem.

"Simply put, our current national anthem “The Star-Spangled Banner” is a song that stirs within the human spirit images of war and pride. We believe that the ideals of war and pride do not serve the highest good of mankind nor do they serve the highest good of our nation." Bottom line: The national athem is based upon war, why not have it be based upon something such as peace or unitity? (MS)

From []

"There are a lot of people in the world to whom the American flag is a symbol of oppression. And the **anthem** itself conveys a war-like message. You know, the bombs bursting in air and all. It should be swapped for something less parochial and less bellicose, " said President Obama, while he was still a senator and running for president. "It's my intention, if elected, to disarm America to the level of acceptance to our Middle East Brethren. If we, as a Nation of warring people, conduct ourselves like the nations of Islam, where peace prevails - - - perhaps a state or period of mutual accord could exist between our governments ."