The Star-Spangled Banner and War — Reading Comprehension

The War of 1812 was a conflict between the United States and Great Britain. One important event took place in September 1814 at Fort McHenry in Baltimore. British ships attacked the fort, firing bombs and rockets all night.

During the battle, a lawyer named Francis Scott Key watched from a ship nearby. He worried the American flag would fall. The flag, called the "Star-Spangled Banner," was very large. It had 15 stripes and 15 stars. The flag was a symbol of hope and courage for the soldiers.

After the long night, Key looked to see if the flag was still flying. He saw the flag waving above the fort. He was so happy that he wrote a poem. The poem's first lines are: "O say can you see, by the dawn's early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?"

This poem later became a song known as "The Star-Spangled Banner." Many people sang it to show their pride in America. In 1931, the United States made it the national anthem. The anthem reminds us of the bravery and unity of Americans during hard times.

Today, people sing "The Star-Spangled Banner" at sports games and special events. The flag from Fort McHenry is still kept in a museum. It reminds us how people came together to protect their country.

Interesting Fact: The original Star-Spangled Banner flag was so big, it measured 30 by 42 feet!

Who wrote the Star-Spangled Banner poem?

What year did the British attack Fort McHenry?

Where is Fort McHenry located?

Why was the flag important to soldiers?

What did the poem later become?

How did Francis Scott Key feel after the battle?

The flag had 15 stripes and 15 stars. True or False?

What does 'unity' mean in the passage?