In the past nine years, whenever my parents return home after a visit with us in Baltimore, one of their friends asks them, "Did you visit Ft. McHenry?" and their answer has always been no. When my parents came out in April to see us we determined that THIS time we would head to Ft. McHenry so they could finally tell their friend that they had been there.
We started in the visitor's center and watched the great short film they have that tells the story of how "The Star Spangled Banner" came into existence. It was moving to watch as actors reenacted the Battle of Baltimore when British ships bombarded our men at the fort throughout the night of September 13-14, 1812. And then the thrilling scene where, through the fog, Francis Scott Key saw that it was OUR glorious flag waving in the dawn's early light. It was wonderful and I might have gotten a little teary-eyed!
I swear that every time I have been to Ft. McHenry it has been on a cold day and this visit was no exception. Thank goodness there were plenty of chances to go in the buildings and get warmed up. We had fun wandering all over the fort, checking out the cannons and all the different displays.
Francis Scott Key's inspiration, albeit with a few more stars.
A cute little prisoner!
The original cross brace that helped excavators know exactly where the flag once stood.
It was a wonderful way to spend a morning with my parents!
No comments:
Post a Comment