War of 1812

This year marks the 200th anniversary of the War_of_1812. Basically, the British were commandeering American ships to fight in their war against France. This was not many years after our war for independence. There were a whole lot of events planned in Baltimore for the occasion, a Star-Spangled_Sailabration.

We drove up and walked around Fort McHenry. It was the battle here at Fort McHenry that inspired Francis Scott Key to compose the Star-Spangled_Banner. It was also during this war that the British burned down the Capital and Dolley_Madison saved several important documents.

This is an actual canon ball from the battle that did not explode.

Lots of men in period uniforms.

Fife and Drum to start the ceremony.

 During the ceremony this ship came by and shot a blank. It was LOUD.

 The flag at Fort McHenry has 15 stars on it. That's what it looked like in 1812.

Then we drove down to the Inner Harbor to see all the tall ships from around the world.

This little "pleasure boat" was driving around and spraying people with water.

 Clay says to me "Oh look, we are all red and blue. Did you know that? That looks great" 

Yes, dear, I did. I planned it that way.

 These little beauties have been the envy of our girls for a long time. We finally relented and coughed up the cash to take one of these paddle boats out. Clay and Emma provided all the power while Rebekah and I enjoyed the views.