A Memorial Day Remembrance
Because of the persistent British interference against American commerce, the United States declared war on England on June 18, 1812, beginning what we now know as The War of 1812. The war lasted two and one-half years.
Late in August 1814, the British under General George Ross landed at Chesapeake Bay and set fire to the White House, the Capital, and other public buildings in Washington.
During this attack a man by the name of Dr. Beanes of Upper Marlborough, Maryland was taken prisoner. Because of his political influence, Francis Scott Key later District Attorney, District of Columbia, was persuaded to negotiate Dr. Beanes' release.
Francis Scott Key and his party reached the British fleet September 7. At that time they were located in Chesapeake Bay, off the mouth of the Potomac River. Key was indeed successful in securing the agreement for the release of Beanes.
However, fearing that Key would alert the American forces of a proposed attack on Baltimore, the British detained them. After the British fleet arrived at Baltimore, and were ready to begin their attack, Francis Scott Key, Dr. Beanes, and the rest of the party were returned to their small sailing ship under guard.
From this vantage point they fearfully watched the bombardment of Fort McHenry which started 7:00 A.M. on September 13, 1814. The bombardment lasted all day and into the night.
It has been reported that the British fired over 1,500 shells, each weighing as much as 220 pounds.
They were unable to approach closely because the Americans had sunk 22 vessels in the channel. Only four Americans were killed and 24 wounded.
Although the bombing stopped just after midnight, it was not until early the next morning when they saw the flag of the United States flying over Fort McHenry. By that flag waving, they knew that the British were unsuccessful in this attack. Still in their little ship, Francis Scott Key, inspired by this experience began sketching the lines of the song "Defense of Fort McHenry." They go like this:
O say can you see,
By the dawns early light,
What so proudly we hailed,
At the twilights last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars,
Through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched,
Were so gallantly streaming.
And the rocket’s red glare,
The bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night,
That our flag was still there.
O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free,
And the home of the brave.
The poem was set to music and renamed "The Star-Spangled Banner." In 1931 it was adopted by Congress as our national anthem.
On this most special weekend, we pause to remember everyone who has fought and died to secure, preserve, and protect our freedoms. Tomorrow at Sugar Creek, we will also pause and remember those who have preceded us home since last Memorial Day. God Bless!
