In 1814, Francis Scott Key was aboard a British ship during the battle for Fort McHenry. He feared the Maryland fort had fallen, but the sight that greeted him the next morning-a huge flag, still flying-assured him that the fort was still standing. He was so inspired that he wrote a poem, "Defense of Fort McHenry," which would eventually become "The Star-Spangled Banner"-the national anthem of the United States. This colorful, beautifully illustrated book tells the story behind our nation's national anthem-a source of pride and patriotism for all!
