On September 14, 1814, Francis Scott Key was inspired to write the poem “Defence of Fort McHenry” after witnessing the American flag flying over the Maryland fort following a night of British bombardment during the War of 1812; the poem later became the words to “The Star- Spangled Banner.”

Ten years ago

The United Nations opened a three-day summit marking the 60th anniversary of the world body. More than a dozen coordinated bombings killed at least 178 people in Baghdad. Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines each filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. (Both carriers emerged from bankruptcy reorganization in 2007.)

Five years ago

Sarah Shourd, one of three American hikers detained by Iran, was freed on $500,000 bail after 410 days in prison. Reggie Bush announced he was forfeiting his 2005 Heisman title, citing a scandal over improper benefits while he was a star running back at Southern California; it was the first time college football’s top award had been relinquished by a recipient.

One year ago

Hillary Rodham Clinton, making her return to Iowa for the first time since the 2008 presidential campaign, implored Democrats to choose shared economic opportunity over “the guardians of gridlock.” North Korea’s Supreme Court sentenced Matthew Miller, a 24-year-old American, to six years with labor for entering the country illegally and trying to commit an act of espionage. (Miller was released in November 2014 along with another detained American, Kenneth Bae.)

— By The Associated Press