Key was inspired by the sight of a lone U.S. flag still flying over Fort McHenry at daybreak, as reflected in the now-famous words of the “Star-Spangled Banner”: “And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.”

the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History The original Star-Spangled Banner, the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the song that would become our national anthem, is among the most treasured artifacts in the collections of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.

This reflected how “The Star-Spangled Banner” has always been more than a passive musical symbol. In 1814, its words inspired an incipient patriotism, helping to forge 18 states into one young nation. In 1861, its lyrics became a rallying cry, rousing Union volunteers to service in the Civil War.

Sept. 14, 1814 This patriotic song, whose words were written by Francis Scott Key on Sept. 14, 1814, during the War of 1812 with Great Britain, was adopted by Congress as the U.S. national anthem in 1931.

1. The melody is set to an old English drinking tune. Ironically, the melody of “The Star-Spangled Banner” is English - not American. The tune comes from the old drinking song, “To Anacreon in Heav'n,” the official ditty of an 18th century London men's social club called the Anacreontic Society.

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave! EXPLANATION: Key heralds our military for our freedom. Referencing GOD 4 times, he thanks HIM for defeating the British and protecting our nation. Lastly, Key says that by trusting in GOD that our country's freedoms will persevere because of our soldiers' bravery.

Marseillaise One of the world's most recognizable national anthems, the famed “Marseillaise” dates back to the height of the French Revolution. The song was composed in April 1792 by Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle, a French soldier and musician then stationed in Strasbourg.

The Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem of the United States. To celebrate their victory over British forces during the War of 1812, U.S. soldiers raised a large American flag at Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland, on September 14, 1814.

Composed by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, the anthem highlights India's national heritage and demonstrates patriotism and loyalty to one's country. 'Jana Gana Mana' reflects the history, traditions and composite culture of India. It has been serving as an expression of national identity since its adoption.

The anthem of the Netherlands, "Wilhelmus van Nassouwe" or just "Wilhelmus", has the oldest music: a tune taken from a French anti-Protestant song known as "Chartres" that was first written down in 1574, and used unofficially as the anthem from the 17th century before being finally adopted formally in 1932.

10 Things You Didn't Know About 'The Star-Spangled Banner'

• The melody is set to an old English drinking tune.
• And before it became our anthem, it was an American drinking tune, too.
• The lyrics come from a poem.
• The original sheet music contains an infamous spelling mistake.
• There is more than one verse.

A rousing rendition of any country's national anthem has the power to instil a sense of pride, patriotism and passion, whether it be on the sporting pitch or at a historically significant event.