America's Star-Spangled Banner
- Margot Morrell
- Sep 14, 2025
- 1 min read
On this day in 1814, patriot and humanitarian, Francis Scott Key, christened America's flag the "star-spangled banner."
Key boarded a British ship on September 7th, to request the release of his elderly friend, Dr. William Beanes.
They were permitted to return to Key's ship under guard of the HMS Surprize. They were not allowed to leave the harbor as the British were preparing to bomb Fort McHenry.
Late on September 13th, the British began the bombardment. Throughout the night, Key watched and listened as British bombs pounded the fort. When daylight came, "our flag was still there."
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