Francis Scott Key was an attorney in Georgetown who was deeply involved in national politics. He often spoke before the Congress and represented many prominent people in court, including several U.S. Presidents.
In 1814, during the War of 1812, Key was asked by the President to assist Col. John Skinner and others in securing the release of several hostages held by the British in Baltimore along the Chesapeake Bay. They did so, but were forbidden to return to land until the British completed their bombardment of Fort McHenry.
They could do nothing but watch the attack from aboard ship and pray through the entire night. As dawn broke, Key was surprised and delighted to see an American flag being raised in victory above the Fort. Inspired, he grabbed an envelope and penned the words to the Star Spangled Banner, which later would become our National anthem.
I wonder how many of us have sang the second verse of this song….which is maybe even more relevant today.
O thus be it ever, when free men shall stand
Between their loved homes and the war’s desolation!
Blessed with vict’ry and peace, may the heaven-rescued land
Praise the power that hath made and preserved us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just;
and this be our motto, “In God is our trust!”
And the star spangled banner in triumph shall wave,
over the land of the free and the the home of the brave!
How fitting these words are today, as America truly is a “heaven-rescued” land and it is God’s power alone that still preserves us as a nation. May we rely on Him, pray for His mercy and through His power the star spangled banner continue to wave.
As we remember those who gave their lives to secure our freedom this Memorial Day let us also remember their families and loved ones left behind. May you all have a happy and peaceful Memorial Day. May God continue to bless America!
