The hymnal ends with #720, “O say, can you see,” which is known from the poet Francis Scott Key’s title, “The Star Spangled Banner.” Near Independence Day, it is worth recalling the story of the writing of this poem, which has been sung to a popular 18th century song called “The Anacreontic Song” (now called NATIONAL ANTHEM), probably by John Stafford Smith, since its publication shortly after it was written.

Late in August 1814, the British burned the Capitol and the White House. As they returned to their fleet on the Chesapeake, they arrested a Dr. Beanes. Friends of Dr. Beanes, who knew of Francis Scott Key’s influence, convinced Key to seek the doctor’s release.

Key sailed down the Chesapeake to the mouth of the Potomac on September 7, and secured the doctor’s release. The British detained them because they were planning to attack Baltimore, and knew they would give warning of the attack. Throughout the day and evening of September 13, the British fired some 1,800 bombs toward Fort McHenry, stopping about 1:00 am. Those aboard Key’s sloop had to wait until daybreak, and the sight of the large flag still flying over the Fort to know the outcome of the battle.