There are some surprising facts behind all of this glorious music.

So, fire up barbecue grill, look up at fireworks, and strike up band as we reveal secrets behind most influential nationalistic musical moments of all time.

"Star Spangled Banner," Francis Scott Key, 1814. Schoolchildren in America all learn how Key watched British bombardment of Fort McHenry during War of 1812 and so admired courage of beleaguered American forces that he wrote four stanzas of "The Star Spangled Banner" (only first is usually performed). Key based melody on an English drinking song called "To Anacreon in Heaven." The song has only been national anthem since 1931, and there was a strong movement to replace it with one of other songs on this list.

"America (My Country 'Tis of Thee)," Samuel F. Smith, 1832. The music was composed in 1700s, sometimes attributed to Henry Cary. First popular in Great Britain as "God Save King (Queen)," song became bi-continental in 1832. Modern audiences have been greatly moved by R&B version by Ray Charles, a truly wonderful blending of emotion with what musicians call "the groove."

"Rally 'Round Flag," George F. Root, 1862. Written for Union army and its supporters during Civil War, song was hugely popular in North. This didn't prevent Confederate troops from writing their own lyrics and singing song throughout South.

"When Johnny Comes Marching Home," Louis Lambert, c. 1863. Lambert was a pseudonym for Union Army Bandmaster Patrick S. Gilmore. His lyrics, set to an old Irish folk song, were popular through whole Reconstruction Era (1865-1896). It appears in an extended instrumental version on soundtrack of Stanley Kubrick's film "Dr. Strangelove."

"Battle Hymn of Republic," Julia W. Howe, 1861. Howe is another lyricist who succeeded by utilizing a pre-existing piece of music, in this case a camp meeting tune of 19th century (which also became "John Brown's Body"). The profound power of words combined with compelling melody cannot be denied, and it was sung at funerals of Winston Churchill, Robert Kennedy, and Ronald Reagan.

"Overture: 1812," Petr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, 1880. Patriotic music doesn’t always revolve around July 4th celebration, or even refer to USA. Tchaikovsky got Russian hearts a-pounding with his "1812 Overture in E Flat Major Op. 49," written to celebrate 70th anniversary of his country's victory battle during Napoleonic Wars.

There is however another World Series that anyone can participate in. The only requirement is that you’re over 21. I’m talking about World Series Of Poker, which takes place this year from June 2 – July 15. “Wait,” I hear you say. “That’s over a month long. I thought World Series of Poker was just a few days.”

Actually WSOP is a series of 45 different poker events culminating with final 7 day main event starting July 7. The events take place at Rio All Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas with final table of main event being played at Binion’s Horseshoe Casino in Downtown Las Vegas where World Series of Poker all started.

The official start of WSOP was in 1970, though beginnings can be traced back to an event which took place in 1949. Benny Binion, owner of Binion’s Horseshoe Casino and a true marketing genius, was approached by well-known gambler “Nick Greek” Nick asked him to set up a match against best poker player in a high-stakes poker marathon. Benny agreed as long as match would open to public. The stage was set for a showdown between “Nick Greek” and legendary poker player Johnny Moss. The marathon lasted five months and two played every form of poker there was. They took breaks only to sleep.

Binion’s marketing genius paid off as each day marathon ran hundreds of spectators gathered in his casino to watch “biggest game in town.” At end of five months “The Greek” had lost an estimated $2 million.

It took Binion 20 years to realize full potential of what happened those five months in 1949.