thus be it ever , when freemen shall stand Between their loved homes and the warâ s desolation , Blest with victâ ry and peace , may the Heavâ n-rescued land Praise the Powâ r that hath made and preserved us a nation ! thus be it ever , when freemen shall stand Between their loved home and the warâ s desolation . Blest with victâ ry and peace , may the Heavâ n rescued land Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation !