Save Our History: Star Spangled Banner

Quick, what year did "The Star Spangled Banner" become America's national anthem? 1812? 1865? 1931? Viewers will have to watch this History Channel presentation to find out. Although slow at times, this program, narrated by Roger Mudd, offers an interesting look at the history of the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key's poem confirming a young nation's sense of self. The particular flag Key saw came about through the herculean efforts of a seamstress to meet a request by Captain Amistad, commander of Ft. McHenry outside of Baltimore. The captain wanted a large symbol of American pride to wave in the face of the British fleet as it bombarded his post during the War of 1812. Most likely, the good Captain had no suspicions as to just how wildly successful his efforts would be--after Key's poem was published in 1814, it was paired with a tune from a drinking song (everybody knew the melody already so it was easy to remember) and became quite popular. In addition to tracing the song and flag's history, the program also looks at present-day intricate efforts to preserve what is left of the original fabric. Recommended. Aud. I, J, H, P. (S. Fisher)