> The Star Spangled Banner was not officially designated as the U.S.
national
> anthem until 1931.  I don't know what the anthem was at the time.
 
 
This was also discussed in the Burns' series.  TSSB was one of several
"unofficial" anthems before the 30's, and it was the song played at that
unfortunate game which started it all.  It was in rememberance of the
sinking of the Lusitania (in May of 1915) or some such drivel.
 
It's one of those things like adding "...under God" in the pledge that once
some panderer starts it, good luck ever getting rid of it.
 
"America the Beautiful" is often played instead of the Key monstrosity, and
it is so lovely (and actually singable -- which one would think was perhaps
a good thing for a popular anthem...) that it often brings the house close
to tears.
 
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