We all grew up belting out the words to our National Anthem, but I’ve recently discovered something new. While most of us learned about its author and the battle it reflects, there’s one tiny detail often overlooked in the final line – a simple punctuation mark that completely changes the takeaway of our beloved song.

It’s a wild story how a tech-savvy space blogger like myself stumbled upon this realization. As a new dad, I love serenading my 7-month-old son with the usual songs, but let’s face it, I need to switch things up to avoid losing my mind. That’s when I searched the lyrics of our anthem, and the implications of that final punctuation hit me.

“Gave proof through the night, that our flag was still there” - Star-Spangled Banner

I always imagined this scene…

A fort, scarred by war, was under attack by the relentless roar of explosive batterie. A somber mood fills the air as the sun sets and darkness descends. The thunderous precussion continues for an uncomfortable amount of time, until the barrage begins to eventually subside and the fog of war starts to clear. What remains is a landscape of devastation, yet amidst the destruction, a beacon of hope shines through – a torn and worn American flag, still standing tall and waving steadfastly above the battlefield.

It was my understanding that was the climax of our song. So naturally, I just figured the next verse was the cigarette afterward. A small line to relish in the job well done. Oh my naivety. That last verse is not a triumphant statement, it is a question. One that I would say is the most important part of our anthem.

“O say does that Star-Spangled Banner yet (still) wave over the land of the free and the home of the brave?” - Star-Spangled Banner

The question mark at the end of the verse is the topic of this post. I never realized the weight of that last verse before. Our anthem, as it is sung, poses a serious question to every citizen who hears it – every time it is played. This is not an easy question to ponder, but one I believe is critical to the preservation of our democracy, and that it is our duty, as a nation intended to be governed of the people, by the people, and for the people, to constantly keep this question in mind. It is well known by history that all systems tend toward corruption. Our founding fathers knew that it is only if the power remains in the hands of the people that this can be staved off.

So, as the Super Bowl show begins this weekend, with our hands over our hearts, let us take a moment to ask ourselves this question. And more importantly, answer it.

Let your answer to this question to guide your voting decisions, your benign conversations, and inform the values you are built upon. We are all a piece in this puzzle, and with freedom comes responsibility. A responsibility to be brave. Freedom is not free – others have paid the ultimate price for our freedom, and it is our responsibility to relentlessly persist. To ensure that their sacrifice was not made in vain.

An article written by Michael D. Patton