Tuesday, Sep 19, 2006
Over the second weekend of September, Fort McHenry celebrated the 192nd anniversary of the Battle of Baltimore and the writing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” in grand style with fireworks, military music and an artillery barrage.
For three days, living history participants, noted authors, guest military units, elected officials and 16,000 visitors descended upon the Star Fort along the Patapsco River.
Conducted in partnership with the Living Classrooms Foundation and the city of Baltimore, the program began with a visit by approximately 900 inner city school students on Friday. Students reveled in the sounds of fife and drum music, seeing historic sailing ships, and interacting with the participants. Later that day, “soldiers” and “citizens” of the War of 1812 sailed into the Inner Harbor and paraded through the streets of Baltimore.
The holiday, known locally as Defenders’ Day, has been enjoying a revival in recent years.
“There were mammoth celebrations for the centennial in 1914, but the holiday’s popularity faded shortly thereafter,” said chief ranger Vincent Vaise. “Now, thanks to the park, our partners and the upcoming bicentennial, there is a renewed interest in the holiday.”
Mayor Martin O’Malley literally led the charge on Saturday night. Dressed as a colonel of the War of 1812 and mounted on horseback, he trotted in amid cheers from the audience and re-enactors. Events that evening rolled on with speeches by Maryland’s congressional delegation, a concert by the U.S. Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus, a symbolic ship-to-shore “bombardment” by the Maryland Army National Guard, and a 45-minute-long firework show. Over 8,000 visitors were in attendance. The highpoint of the celebration was raising the grand 32-foot by 42-foot “Star-Spangled Banner” flag over the ramparts as the national anthem was sung.
“It’s a real honor to come here,” said Steve Abolt, longstanding living historian and camp commander for the weekend. “This is the finest War of 1812 event in the entire National Park Service.”
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