McG of H:

"They" do teach the story of how Francis Scott Key wrote the lyrics while watching the British bombard Baltimore, but that doesn't mean that all the kids actually *learn* anything!

Actually, with or without a history lesson about the War of 1812, anyone who gives a careful listen to the lyrics ("...that our flag was still there") should understand that the bombs and rockets are an enemy's, not the USA's. But, you know, lots of people are often pretty stupid. Or is it really all that different over on your side of the pond? :^)