Doing right by Francis Scott Key

In 1814, 35-year-old amateur poet Francis Scott Key composed a poem titled "Defence of Fort McHenry" (the eventual lyrics to "The Star-Spangled Banner") after witnessing the bombardment of said fort by the British Royal Navy.

In 2013, 20-something-year-old amateur bloggers Four Guys composed a blog post titled "Doing right by Francis Scott Key" in advance of grilling things and drinking things and watching fireworks.

Happy Fourth of July, folks!  Before you get on with your grilling and drinking and firework-watching, enjoy a few of our favorite renditions of our national anthem...

Scott's Pick: Whitney Houston, Super Bowl XXV

"The Star-Spangled Banner" has often been a challenge to some of the most accomplished vocalists.  Today's pop singers tend to overdo on the trills, add in too many extraneous notes, and then fall flat when it comes to the high ones.  Therefore, kudos must be given to Whitney Houston's 1991 rendition of the national anthem at Super Bowl XXV in Tampa.  As one of the biggest music stars of the time, Ms. Houston's even bigger voice belted out note after note with clarity and poise, making her version one of the most iconic performances of the song to date.  Factor in America's recent entry into the Persian Gulf War and you have a performance that encapsulates patriotism at the most quintessential American sporting event.  In simpler terms, you have greatness.

Kevin's Pick: Shea Stadium, September 21, 2001

I will always remember this particular rendition of the National Anthem, and I wasn't even in the country when it took place.  September 21, 2001.  I was in Montreal on a family vacation but big things were happening back in my home state.  The first sporting event that took place in New York City post-9/11 happened on this night and MY team was playing.  The Mets needed to win this game for many baseball reasons but, more than that, the Mets needed to win this game for the City.  New Yorkers needed to get back to life as normal.  They needed to feel that they could return to normal.  Sports help that healing process.  It was huge that this game was even happening and the night started off the right way.  A stadium has never been quieter than it was after Super Joe McEwing finished the pregame video tribute asking for a moment of silence.  Marc Anthony then steps up to the mic and performs a very nice version of the anthem.  But this moment was so much bigger than the actual performance.  This was about showing the world that New York is still fighting, that it is still the Greatest City in the World.

Dave's Pick: Marvin Gaye, 1983 NBA All-Star Game

What in the name of Benjamin Franklin could I say about this unforgettable rendition of the anthem that this video doesn't say on its own?  Not much, probably, but I'll try... In a country that celebrates the individual and the collective, at the All-Star game for one of its homebred sports that does the same, a singular American voice turned in a singular performance for the ages.  America the Beautiful indeed.

Paul's Pick: 2010 World Junior Hockey Championship

Color me a bad American, but my patriotism peaks when the United States of America competes in international sporting events.  And, to the surprise of absolutely no one, I have an immense amount of pride in USA hockey.  With that being said, when asked what my favorite performance of the glorious Star Spangled Banner is, I don't think of of Alicia Keys belting out a nine-and-a-half-minute version (that may be exaggerating); or the brilliant Jimi Hendrix tripping out to the red, white and blue; or even Marvin's Gaye's sexy version of the anthem.  Nay, my favorite rendition of the national anthem of these United States of America was sung by 18- and 19-year-old hockey players celebrating winning gold at the World Junior Hockey Championship.  Their beaming faces, belting the words to the anthem with only an organ backing them, gold medals around their necks – in that moment, I say damn, "I'm proud to be an American... 'cause there ain't no doubt I love this land.  God bless the USA!"

(Honorable mention to the TD Garden crowd's singing of the anthem at the first Bruins game after the marathon bombings because that was Beautiful and I cried and I will never forget it.  Love you always, Boston.)