Baltimore, MD -  Star-Spangled 200: Celebrating the 200th Anniversary of our National Anthem

For this weeks blog I wanted to share what I learned over the weekend from my visit to Baltimore, MD.  We booked this mini getaway a while back while trying to find something fun to do for my birthday weekend, little did I know just how amazing the celebration was going to be. It was full of Maryland's largest ever fire work display, a parade of ships from all over the world, pirates, bag pipers, The Blue Angels Air Show, food, festivities, and of course a symphony of the Star Spangled Banner that took your breath away.  

Maryland played a pivotal role during the War of 1812, particularly during 1814 when the British captured and burned Washington, D.C. and then made their way toward Baltimore. The British planned to attack Baltimore by land at North Point and by sea at Fort McHenry, which stood in defense of the Baltimore Harbor. It was during the bombardment of Fort McHenry that Francis Scott Key, a Maryland-born attorney brought by truce ship to negotiate the release of an American prisoner, was inspired to write the words to what became the United States’ National Anthem. Star-Spangled is a three-year commemoration of Maryland’s unique contributions to the defense and heritage of the nation, including the birth of the Star-Spangled Banner.

The Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial  period runs from June 2012 through February 2015. It commemorates Maryland’s unique contributions to the defense and heritage of the nation, including the pivotal battle that led to an American victory and the birth of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” For more information, visit StarSpangled200


Below are some pictures and videos I took from over the weekend.... enjoy :)