Tuesday is Star-Spangle Banner Day in Tennessee, and one Upper Cumberland Organization encourages residents to remember the meaning behind the nation’s anthem.

The region’s Daughters of 1812 chapter is dedicated to increasing knowledge of the War of 1812. President Charlotte Reynolds said the song was written the morning of September 14th when Francis Scott Key saw the aftermath of Britain’s attack on Fort McHenry.

“The words from that song tell of the greatness of the people,” Reynolds said. “It recognizes what we were fighting for and the strengths of the people of the time, and that strength has continued through down the years.”

Reynolds said the organization is asking residents to commemorate the day by flying an American Flag. Reynolds said we should recognize the history and honor those who have fought for freedom.

“This war united the country, and it really do prove to other countries that we were an independent country and that we were one to be reckoned with,” Reynolds said. “The words from that song tell of the greatness of the people. It recognizes what we were fighting for, and the strength of the people of the time and that strength has continued down the years.”

On May 3, 2021, Governor Bill Lee and the Tennessee Legislature designated September 14 of each year as “Star Spangled Banner Day”.

The song was written after Franciss Scott Key witnessed the British bombardment of Fort McHenry on September 13, 1814. The next day he saw the American flag flying, which gave inspired the words “and the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there…”

In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed an executive order that formally named the Star-Spangled Banner as the National Anthem. Reynolds said she recommends visiting a local library to learn more.