Students at W.A. Bess Elementary School got a glimpse into American history Monday. Scott Key, the great-great-great-great-great-grandson of Francis Scott Key, visited the school on Beaty Road in Gastonia to celebrate Constitution Week. Key is a Gaston native who lives in Bessemer City.
Students met near the flagpole at the school to hear him talk about his famous lineage.
Francis Scott Key wrote the lyrics to “The Star-Spangled Banner” in September 1814 at Fort McHenry in Baltimore. It was eventually adopted as the national anthem.
An American flag raised at Fort McHenry, celebrating victory over British forces in the War of 1812, is said to have inspired the words. Students gathering at W.A. Bess sang the national anthem after hearing Key speak.
Constitution Week continues through Monday, commemorating the signing of the U.S. Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787. The week also recognizes Americans who strive to uphold the responsibilities and duties of citizenship.