National Anthem Day

Today is National Anthem Day in the United States of America, in celebration of the day that “The Star Spangled Banner” was made the national anthem by congress in 1931.

Here are the names of a few other countries’ national anthems and some facts about them:

Australia: “Advance Australia Fair”; adopted in 1984; celebrates the freedom of the people and the beauty of the land.

Austria: “Land der Berge, Land am Strome”; adopted in 1946; describes the land’s beauty and the trials of the country.

Canada: “O Canada”; adopted in 1980; calls all patriots to love and remain faithful to the country.

England: “God Save the Queen(/King)”; adopted in 1745; implores God to preserve and protect the sovereign and her country.

Japan: “Kimi ga Yo”; adopted in 1999; celebrates the reign of the emperor (now just a figurative head of state)—the lyrics are the oldest national anthem lyrics in the world (written in the 9th century).

Netherlands: “Het Williams”; adopted in 1932; tells of William of Orange’s life and his fight for the country—it is also the oldest anthem in the world (written in 1574).

Somalia: “Soomaaliyeey toosoo”; adopted in 2000; chorus calls the people of Somalia to “wake up,” unite, and help others in their need.