As dawn broke on September 14, 1814, a young Marylander named Francis Scott Key witnessed a unique display of American patriotism and tenacity that moved him to write a poem that would later become our National Anthem, the Star-Spangled Banner.
While the full force of the British military bore down on Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore, Key saw the Stars and Stripes still flying atop the Fort. He realized his fellow countrymen, many of them volunteer militia from Maryland, had survived the battle and stopped the advance of the world’s most powerful military. Now, 200 years later, we as Americans are preparing to celebrate and honor America’s “Second War of Independence.”
The bicentennial of the War of 1812 gives Marylanders and the nation an opportunity to celebrate an historic event that legitimized America’s independence. It’s an opportunity to teach our children about the National Anthem and the American flag, two national treasures that emerged from the war and that will forever enshrine the legacy of the Americans who gave their lives during the conflict. It’s also a tremendous economic opportunity for Maryland businesses as thousands of visitors travel throughout our state during the celebrations.
I’m proud that Maryland will be at the center of the “Star-Spangled 200” celebration, a three-year celebration that begins in mid-June with the kick off of Baltimore’s “Sailabration.” During this week-long festival, visitors can tour dozens of tall ships and naval war ships, hear the premiere of a new symphonic work, and view an air show featuring the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. Through 2014, Maryland will host numerous events along the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail and at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine to celebrate the bicentennial.
I also am pleased that U.S. Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger and I joined t
