National anthem

A national anthem is a patriotic song or hymn of a country that is played for special occasions. It is often performed at public events and assemblies to express national ideals and to stimulate patriotism and loyalty to one's country. One of the first known national anthems, titled "God Save the King (or Queen)" first appeared in a stage production in London in the mid-1740s."[1] It is regarded as the national anthem of the United Kingdom and has been used as a national anthem in Scotland and other places, but not in England which has never had an official anthem.

The national anthem of the United States is (since 1931) The Star-Spangled Banner. "My Country, 'Tis of Thee", also known as "America" and with the same tune as "God Save the King/Queen" was one of various contenders before "The Star-Spangled Banner" rose to the top.

## References[edit]

1. ↑ Cummings, William Hayman (1902). God Save the King: The Origin, and History of the Music and Words of the National Anthem. GoogleBooks archive.