"The Star-Spangled Banner" is known by all, treasured for its powerful melody and stirring lyrics. And yet, only about 40% of U.S. citizens know all the words. And even fewer know their meaning. Join us as we travel back to 1814, when Washington D.C. was under British attack during the "Second War of Independence," and the very bricks and mortar of American democracy were reduced to smoking rubble. We examine the battle that inspired witness Francis Scott Key to immortalize its final moments, then reveal how his poem transformed into an anthem.
Cast and Crew
Jeff Wilburn
Narrator (voice)
Clent Bowers
Self - National Anthem Performer
Catherine Purcell
Self - Voice Student
Jennifer L. Jones
Self - Curator
Vince Eisenson
Francis Scott Key
Cynthia Janzen
Dolly Madison
Jim Lyall
James Madison
James Bailey
George Armistead
Bill Boslego
William Beanes
Shannon McLucas
Mary Pickersgill
Videos & Trailers
How Many Americans Know the Lyrics to the Star-Spangled Banner?