Delta Dawn When the Light Comes On: Week Twenty-seven

"Why do the nations rage and the people plot a vain thing against the Lord and His Anointed One? He Who sits in the Heavens, the Lord, shall laugh and distress them in His deep displeasure." Psalm 2:1-5

On June 18, 1812, the United States declared war on the British Crown. Britain was at war with France and felt U.S. commerce should not continue with France. They attacked U.S. ships, absconded with cargo and illegally 'impressed' soldiers and sailors to serve aboard British war ships - often, a death sentence for Patriots.

August 1814, things got serious. Britain, in command, more fully equipped than the American Army and Navy, marched into the newly established District of Columbia and set fire to the U.S. Capitol building. The dome was not, as yet, in place so the wooden covering, when ignited, fell into the rotunda, destroying the congressional chambers. Next, they set fire to the White House and other important businesses. Now, they headed for Baltimore and Fort McHenry. 

Colonel John S. Skinner, U.S. State Department prisoner exchange agent, and 35-year-old Georgetown attorney Francis Scott Key, were aboard a Baltimore packet vessel, President, They were assured that all Americans would be freed men the moment the McHenry flag came down, making them British subjects, again!

Not all historic records agree. BUT GOD says, "Our mouth was filled with laughter and our tongue with singing as joy comes in the morning." Psalm 126

A random gunshot hit Britian's Army General Ross in the heart. He died hours later. Now, the Army, separated from the Navy, found communication halted. Confusion set in. The Navy anchored 6 bombing sloops just out of range of Fort McHenry's cannon. Their target? A 17 by 25-foot American storm flag. Torrential rains began. Britain lobbed 200-pound bombs, for 25-27 hours, reportedly making 14 direct hits on this flag, yet it waved gloriously on!

Morning, September 14, 1814, British ammunition failed. Sun cast off shadows. According to 1808 U.S. War Department Regulations, Major George Armistead executed morning ritual: "One round from a six-pounder with musical accompani­ment as the flag is lifted aloft." A 30 by 42-foot flag boasting 8 red stripes, 7 white stripes, a field of blue with 15 bright stars. rose over the ramparts, four young fifers and drummers played "Yankee Doodle" and the cannon fired.

British hearts melted in defeat. Death toll: Britain 1, America, 28 flag bearers who gave their lives for the land of the free and the home of the brave. "Thus says the Lord of Hosts, 'He who touches you, touches the apple of My eye, I will shake them and they will become spoil for the Lord of Hosts (Who teaches my hands to make war) has sent Me." Zechariah 2:8. 9; 2 Samuel 22:35 

Next Week: Demarcation!