Francis Scott Key and the Battle of Baltimore

(The latest newsletter from 'The Wall Builders' focuses on Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812, and his penning of the poem that was adopted as our beloved National Anthem.  It is fascinating stuff!)

The Battle of Baltimore   200 years ago, the Battle of Baltimore was fought in the War of 1812 as a part of the British's attempt to reclaim America. Having just burned the U. S. Capitol and the White House, the British boldly advanced on Baltimore and Fort McHenry. The Americans there defended against two land attacks, only to have the British begin bombarding Fort McHenry from their ships at sea.   Fort McHenry had been named for Constitution signer James McHenry, who was Secretary of War under both President George Washington and President John Adams.  Interestingly, McHenry’s own son John fought as a volunteer in that battle  -- a battle best known for birthing America's national anthem: "The Star Spangled Banner." Before the battle began, Francis Scott Key, local attorney on a mission from President James Madison, boarded a British ship to secure the release of a prisoner taken by the British. Although successful in his mission, the British held Key aboard the ship until the attack was finished.   Anxiously watching as the fleet fired round after round into the fort, darkness fell, but the fierce bombardment continued throughout the night. When the guns finally fell silent, Key worried that the Fort had fallen. But when the sun arose, he spied the American flag still flying over the fort, unconquered!   Still aboard the ship, on the back of an envelope he began jotting down lines recording what he saw and felt. Later that day after arriving ashore, he finished the poem. Originally called “The Defense of Ft. McHenry,” it would eventually become the national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.” It was printed shortly after the battle in the 1814 Analectic Magazine (shown below from our WallBuilders Library).   Francis Scott Key, a committed Christian, contemplated giving up his profession to become a minister, but decided to continue in law. He befriended John Randolph (a U.S. Congressman who openly expressed a preference for the Muslim faith and an opposition to Christianity) and persuaded him to embrace Christianity, after which Randolph became a strong advocate for his new-found faith. Key wrote Randolph: [M]ay I always hear that you are following the guidance of that blessed Spirit that will 'lead you into all truth,' leaning on that Almighty arm that has been extended to deliver you, trusting only in the only Savior, and 'going on' in your way to Him 'rejoicing.' Key served on the board of the American Bible Society and also the American Sunday School Union. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is REAL history, folks, and it needs to be studied and understood by all Americans in this day and age so far removed from these key historical events.   As the country ages, many of these once known histories are being lost--or changed-- and much of what once was considered necessary knowledge is being whitewashed to exclude any religious references in regards to the founding of this great country, in favor of secularist beliefs and interpretations.   Learn for yourself the REAL history of this country. Maybe...just maybe, you will have your eyes opened, and understand what the United States has lost due to progressive reforms that blithely explain religious influence away as coincidental, unintended or who purposely change the facts [of history] altogether.

In the Olympic Spirit

For this post I thought that I'd take a break from the usual, and instead focus on the incredible spectacle going on in China. The Olympics have always been about human achievement, and the sheer will to overcome all odds in rising to the pinnacle of one's abilities. The 29th Olympiad is no exception to this millenia old endeavor.

As I have watched not just our athletes, but also those from around the world, I cannot be anything but impressed with the dedication, drive, determination, and fierce strength of will to rise to the top and be called the world's best. These men and women are truly amazing in every way, and are an inspiration to billions around the world.

Whether they take home a medal or not, these athletes have overcome tremendous odds just to be on that stage. Some are their countries lone representatives, and their nations swell with pride at seeing their athlete compete at such a grand event.

Win or lose, every competitor at this, or any other Olympiad will take with them the memories, pride, friendships, and simple joy at the incredible experience they went through. They should always be our heroes, and we should always seek to emulate the examples that they have put forth in their quest to be the best in the world.

I hope that everyone in the US, and the world, stops to watch this phenomenal display of athleticism now happening in Beijing; and that they appreciate and applaud the outstanding men and women competing on this grandest of world stages.