The
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On September 14, 1814, U.S. soldiers at Baltimore’s Fort McHenry raised a huge American flag to celebrate a crucial victory over British forces during the War of 1812. The sight of those “broad stripes and bright stars” inspired Francis Scott Key to write a song that eventually became the United States national anthem. Key’s words gave new significance to a national symbol and started a tradition through which generations of Americans have invested the flag with their own meanings and memories.

Begin with the War of 1812.

Collect

Collect stars by correctly answering 14 quiz questions. Fill in all of the stars on the flag and get a special reward.

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Explore

Explore features of the flag and discover something new each time you click. Zoom in for incredible detail.

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Sing

Sing the national anthem! Find out who won our singing contest and see how you compare.

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Share

Share your thoughts about what the American flag means to you. Your photos and stories will make up a mosaic image of the flag for all to see.

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