If your TV went off air every night with the “Star-Spangled Banner,” you grew up in a unique and nostalgic era of television. From the 1950s through the 1980s, it was common for TV stations in the United States to conclude their broadcasting day with the national anthem, followed by a test pattern or static. This nightly ritual was a marker of a simpler time when television was not available 24/7, and the day’s programming ended with a patriotic note that reinforced a sense of unity and tradition.

For many, the broadcast sign-off with the “Star-Spangled Banner” evokes a sense of comfort and nostalgia. It reminds us of a slower-paced world where the end of TV programming meant bedtime or family time, long before the era of streaming and endless content. Those who experienced this era can fondly recall the feeling of shared experiences, where communities across the country connected through the same television moments, framed by a deep respect for national pride.