Meaning behind words: Examining our National Anthem

To my own embarrassment, a recent event afforded me a few moments to do something I had not done in quite some time--contemplate the words and meaning of our National Anthem.
Invited to sing our anthem at the Marion County School System teacher in-service event in August, I actually listened to the words for the first time in what seemed an eternity.
As the words flowed across my lips and those in attendance stood at attention, the words had meaning like never before.
Patriotic to the core, I often find myself crying silently, as the anthem is played prior to sporting events.
But this time was unique. There was an emotion that pierced my spirit in a manner I had never known.
My country was in trouble and in this moment, it seemed critical that I understand the meaning of the words.
There was a part of me longing to connect with the one who penned those beautiful words more than 200 years before.