The Star Spangled Banner, verses one and two

This is the American National Anthem, written by Francis Scott Key after he witnessed the bombardment of Fort McHenry in the year 1814. Though the barrage left the flag tattered and torn, it was still there, gleaming in the red bursts of light from the rockets and bombs. So it has been in the many years since.
The first verse is what has been commonly sung in performances for many years but, in this recording, I have included the lesser known second verse which has powerful words as well. "Let the heav'n rescued land praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation."
America's freedom, bought with the blood of our forefathers, is a picture of the freedom from sin which was bought through the blood of Jesus Christ. That is the greatest freedom of all, and one I will never take for granted.