1931: The Star-Spangled Banner officially became the national anthem of the United States

"It was on this day in 1931 that The Star-Spangled Banner, written by Francis Scott Key, officially became the national anthem of the United States.

Despite the fact that millions sing (in a manner of speaking) the anthem before sporting events, civic club meetings and other public gatherings, it is still ranked as the most difficult national anthem on earth to sing.
While Key’s lyrics reflected an enduring sentiment of America during war time of 1812, with its “rockets red glare and bombs bursting in air” over Fort McHenry at Baltimore, MD; the melody goes against most everything musical and the words themselves are quite difficult to remember -- especially those following the first verse." Continued

Image: LoC