Picture Progress v2 #4

"The Star Spangled Banner" follows a pivotal moment during the War of 1812 when Francis Scott Key witnesses the British bombardment of Fort McHenry in Baltimore. After being freed by English soldiers whom he had aided as a physician, Key observes the fort's American flag still flying after the night-long attack, inspiring him to compose the poem that would become the national anthem. The story culminates with Key writing the verses beginning "O say, can you see, by the dawn's early light," capturing the moment that transformed his poem into "The Star Spangled Banner."