Two summers from now, upon seeing announcements for bicentennial events in Baltimore, Americans will find themselves scratching their heads and saying, Hey, wait a minute, I thought it was 1812 when we turned back the British Navy at Fort McHenry?
That goal line stand occurred in the summer of 1814. The war started in the summer of 1812 (Madison declared war on June 18).
Perfect asymmetry aside, Baltimore is hosting “Sailabration” this week, a five-day commemorative event at Inner Harbor, Fell’s Point, Ft McHenry and every price point in between. It is easy to be cynical knowing the Maryland Chamber of Commerce is conducting this overture, but all that melts away when you get there and see all the tall ships, re-enactors, and activities.
The better half and I went today. By way of an amazing coincidence, we ran into friends from California and got to spend some time with them. Paid a visit on the “Cuauhtemoc,” a training ship in the Mexican Navy and saw some of the Opening Ceremonies. Just a beautiful day and we even saw Francis Scott Key.
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