Today marks the 200th Anniversary of the events that inspired Frances Scott Key to write the poem that became the National Anthem of the United States of America!
On September 13, 1814 the British (these events were part of the War of 1812) the British began attacking Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor. The fired upon the fort all night long, sending as many as 1500-1800 round into the fort. Onlookers and other ships in the area had no idea if the fort was being destroyed, so at dawn on September 14, the Commander, Major George Armistead had the smaller storm flag set aside, and instead, at dawn, raised the standard Garrison flag, which measured 42 by 30 feet. The sight of the American flag still flying after such a determined attack "gave proof through the night, that our flag was still there!"
Last summer I read this blog post about Mimi Dietrich and the members of the Maryland Historical Society who recreated the flag. I found it fascinating. I wish I could have worked on it as well. Even if you are not American, you may enjoy reading about such a huge sewing/applique project.
Have a wonderful day!
JoAnne
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