How to Celebrate National Anthem Day

The United States adopted the Star Spangled Banner as its national anthem on March 3, 1931. Francis Scott Key wrote the Star anthem on September 14, 1814, inspired by an American flag still standing over a bombarded Fort McHenry. Americans began celebrating the song on March 3 because of the date when Congress made it the national anthem. Here are ways to celebrate National Anthem Day on the correct day.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Visit the flag that inspired the song at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. The flag is on display for all to see, but don't try to see it until after Summer 2008. The National Museum of American History closed in late September for renovations and is scheduled to reopen Summer 2008.

2. Make a tax deductible contribution to help save the flag. The National Museum of American History is undergoing a major renovation. To do this, the Museum is in the middle of a $180 million appeal to all people who hold the museum close to their hearts. Once the museum renovation and flag preservation are complete, the flag will be housed in a new state of the art display case. Visit the Smithsonian website and give money to celebrate National Anthem Day.

3. Raise your flag on March 3. Follow proper flag flying etiquette. Fly the American flag above all other flags on display. Take down the flag in bad whether unless it is a weatherized flag. Never let the flag touch the ground.

4. Enjoy your country. America has endured. From the bombardment of Fort McHenry that encouraged the Star Spangled Banner and National Anthem day to the present state of the union, be proud to be an American and hold your head up. Be thankful for what you do have and remain faithful to National Anthem Day.