"Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: 'In God is our trust.'
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!" -(Last verse of the "Star-Spangled Banner" by Francis Scott Key)
According to a recent Fox News report, the original, handwritten manuscript of "The Star-Spangled Banner" will be on display this June at the Smithsonian in Washington. (Photo: AP/The Maryland Historical Society)
What makes this particular exhibition of the US National Anthem unique is that this marks the first time it will be presented next to the actual American flag which was observed by Key that morning.
Smithsonian curator, flag overseer, Jennifer Jones noted, "It's meant to be emotional. It's meant to be reflective."
The "Star-Spangled Banner" was written by lawyer and amateur poet, Francis Scott Key, during the War of 1812; it was originally a poem called "Defense of Fort McHenry."
Key reportedly witnessed the British bombardment of Fort McHenry in Baltimore which lasted over 24 hours. The following morning, upon seeing the American flag still flying—signaling the fact that the Americans had withstood the enemy—he was inspired to write the poem.
When Key's poem was later put to music, it was renamed and in 1931 it became the US National Anthem.
Although Americans are most familiar with the first verse—traditionally sung before major events and sports games—it's the last stanza that records the strong faith prevalent in the nation at the time.
The following is the 4th and final verse of Key's stirring poem:
Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the Heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!