Gun Rally at Concord Point Lighthouse Planned for Saturday

Gun rights advocates plan to use Havre de Grace's War of 1812 bicentennial festival this weekend as an opportunity to protest recent changes to Maryland's gun laws that restrict ownership of some firearms.

Those protesting the new state law draw a symbolic comparison between what they contend is an attack on their Second Amendment rights and Havre de Grace under attack by the British nearly 200 years ago.

"We all know that TODAY, Havre de Grace, Maryland and our entire nation is also under attack by those who would ... deny us any right to ‘keep and bear arms,'" Chris Zeauskas, chair of the Cecil County Republican Party, wrote in a letter promoting the gun rights rally.

The Maryland Liberty Political Action Committee is helping to coordinate the gun rally, which will be from 4 to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, at the Concord Point Lighthouse.

According to a website promoting the gun rights event, the rally is in response to recent legislation that Gov. Martin O'Malley (D-Maryland) signed into law restricting ownership of some guns.

At 7 p.m. Saturday, dignitaries are scheduled to deliver remarks at the Concord Point Lighthouse as part of the War of 1812 bicentennial commemoration, followed by a fireworks display and concert.  According to the governor's spokeswoman Takirra Winfield, O'Malley did not have the War of 1812 bicentennial on his schedule.

Read more about the War of 1812 bicentennial festival in Havre de Grace, taking place May 3 to 5.