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Health & Fitness

Flag Day at Ft McHenry

What happened at the Flag Day celebration at Fort McHenry? Does it matter?

  Nature gave us a break this past Friday. The sky was blue with some clouds. The breeze was sweet and fresh. The weather was perfect for the revelry that was about to unfold.

  I was a part of a team assigned to provide medical coverage for the crowd of four to six thousand people that were expected to attend the Flag Day Celebration at Fort McHenry. 

  Among the festivities a grand event occurred. Several new citizens joined our ranks from 14 different countries. What could be more memorable than to be sworn in as an American Citizen, on Flag Day, at the place where our National Anthem was born, and our liberty secured for a second time against overwhelming odds? As I listened to the oath of allegiance, being taken by our newest Americans, I was humbled. The ideals we live for haven't changed in well over 200 years. Many have taken that same oath and paid the ultimate sacrifice. These are more than mere words. The gigantic flag that snapped in the breeze bore mute witness to this fact.

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  While the flag that has given us the holiday, known as Flag Day, is on display at the Smithsonian Museum, in Washington D.C., a replica flies proudly above Fort McHenry. The original flag was hand made by Mary Pickersgill, her daughter, 2 of her nieces, and 2 African American Servants. Mary Pickersgill's home still stands in South Baltimore, at 844 Pratt St. The pivotal Battle for Baltimore was three months away. The burning of Washington, two months away. And, then, as now, old and new would collide. 

  If I was in awe of the massive change in the shore line over the past forty years. What would the citizen militia and regular soldiers, who manned the fort during the summer and fall of 1814, think? What would General Ross, or Admiral Cochrane say to the British Citizen who became an American on this day 14 June 2013?

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  Gone are the small freighters, and water men who plied these waters, selling their wares at the inner harbor. I miss the smell of spices from McCormick Spice Company. Although, on this day, I could have sworn that the aroma of exotic spices were still present. Would the defenders recognize their city now?

  The British really had a strong dislike for Baltimore. After all, this was where the boatyards that built the Clipper Ships were located. The Baltimore Clippers were sleek, fast and a real nuisance to English commercial shipping. Then there was the disdain that the British government, and military, had for America's fighting ability. After all they, the British, had control of the Chesapeake Bay, burning and putting to flight the militia units tasked with protecting life and property along the waterways of Maryland and Virginia. Admiral Cochran, and General Ross, were confident and capable men.

  They had, with little difficulty, captured and burned Washington D.C. This was done partly in retaliation for American Forces burning of York, (modern day Toronto), Canada, on 27 April 1813. Admiral Cochrane, and General Ross expected to do the same at Baltimore. And, why not? The American stand at Bladensburg was an unmitigated disaster. Aside from an epic stand made by Joshua Barney's sailors and Marines, Ross's biggest worry was the heat, humidity, and a severe thunderstorm of epic proportions. He gave little thought to, and had no respect for, our army.

  The American Government fled so fast that the presidential table had been set for dinner and abandoned. It was as if the table had been set to  welcome General Ross and Admiral Cochrane. It was only through the valor of Dolly Madison, the first lady, that any of our national treasures, which resided within the White House were saved. No one else thought to save much of America's priceless heirlooms. The evaporation of our electorate in this crucial time was laughable to the English who dined on the presidential china and drank the wine from glasses set before them.

  General Ross was so confident in victory at Baltimore that he boasted, after landing at North Point, that he would, "dine in Baltimore," that evening, 12 September 1814, "or Hell."

  This time things would be different. This time, at North Point, the British  faced an old, capable, and brave foe...General Samuel Smith. While at Fort McHenry, Major George Armistead commanded. Both were stubborn and committed. General Smith had served with the Maryland Line during the Revolutionary War. Smith was one of the Immortal 400 who had saved General Washington's Army, from destruction, at the Battle of Long Island, New York, in 1777. 

  In the end, General Ross was killed by American sharpshooters, and Fort McHenry held against a horrific bombardment. The British were forced to retire and travel south to try their luck at New Orleans. Thankfully, I was much less busy than the patriots who fought and endured here at Fort McHenry.

  The anticipated crowd did not materialize. What does this mean? Is it that Americans don't care anymore? Maybe. Maybe not. Maybe celebrations closer to home took precedence. Maybe some forgot, or don't care. Maybe many had to work.

  But, thanks to those who fought and died here at Fort McHenry, and North Point, we have that choice. Thanks to those who are serving away from home now, and in previous wars, we can decide when and how to affirm who we are, and where we will go.

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