Those in attendance this Sunday, November 9, at the Dillon County Theater will not only enjoy a musical and dramatic salute to our veterans but enjoy a rare historic presence by one of America’s oldest military organization.   
Formed in 1807 in Charleston, South Carolina, the Washington Light Infantry (WLI), has served our state and nation in many of its conflicts and wars.  Also, in 1842, it was instrumental in the founding of The Citadel on land donated by the organization.
On Sunday, a few members of the WLI will represent the brave soldiers who stood steadfastly during the bombardment of the British in September, 1814, in an effort to hold Fort McHenry.  
Their resistance was successful and the British were denied the opportunity to land a force to take Baltimore.  Their retreat hastened the end to the war and the expansion of America.  
During the bombardment through that night, a young lawyer named Francis Scott Key was inspired to write the lyrics to a poem that would one day become our National Anthem.   
The Star Spangled Banner would never have been penned but for the bravery of the soldiers and sailors, black and white, who chose to stay under a horrendous and fiery siege all night so that the fort would not fall and our flag would still be flying at dawn’s early light.
This Sunday, theater patrons and all those who appreciate the bravery of our servicemembers throughout our history will appreciate this historic performance.   
The retelling of this story with music, words and the historic presence of the Washington Light Infantry in uniforms similar to those worn on that fateful evening will provide a fitting celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the song that represents our nation.
This musical and dramatic salute to our veterans and the 200th Anniversary of our National Anthem will begin at 2:30PM, Sunday, November 9, 2014 at the Dillon County Theater.  
Admission is free to veterans, their family, friends of veterans and patrons of the Theater.