The Star-Spangled Banner

Shares the story behind the writing of "The Star-Spangled Banner," in 1814, telling how Francis Scott Key, having witnessed a critical battle between British and U.S. troops from a truce ship, was inspired to write the song after seeing the garrison flag still flying over Fort Henry in Baltimore, Maryland; discusses the Smithsonian Institute's efforts to preserve the actual flag; and considers how the song and the flag have come to symbolize American patriotism and pride.