The Star-Spangled Banner Forgotten Verses And Patriotic Etiquette

star spangled lyrics
Wikimedia Commons
star spangled lyrics
Wikimedia Commons

The Star-Spangled Banner Forgotten Verses And Patriotic Etiquette

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From broad stripes to bright stars, Francis Scott Key’s “Star-Spangled Banner” made its way to become our national anthem more than 100 years after it was written. Everyone knows at least some of the words, but did you know that there are missing lyrics? 

The anthem is at the center of a debate over patriotism after San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick refused to stand during the song during pre-season play, saying he will continue to do so as a protest against racial oppression. Morning Shift talks to Brenda Stevenson, American history professor at UCLA, about the song’s forgotten lyrics, its history and how it figures into our definition of patriotic etiquette in America.