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Navy, Coalition Ships Arrive in Baltimore to Kick off War of 1812 Bicentennial

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS120614-15
6/14/2012

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Patrick Gordon, Navy Operational Support Center Baltimore

BALTIMORE (NNS) -- More than 40 ships arrived in Baltimore's Inner Harbor to begin the city's "Star Spangled Sailabration," the national launch of the bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the writing of "The Star Spangled Banner," June 13.

Participating vessels include tall ships and naval war ships from the U.S. Navy as well as coalition countries such as Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico and Canada.

"Sailabration is the kick off of a three-year bicentennial celebration of the War of 1812 and the defense of Baltimore at Fort McHenry which gave us our national anthem," said Mike McGeady, vice president of Sail Baltimore. "It's important to commemorate this event because the War of 1812 was sort of our second war of independence. The British had already burned Washington, D.C., and were on their way north to attack the port of Baltimore and the privateers that were there."

McGeady added that were it not for the heroic actions of a few citizen soldiers defending Baltimore the British might have gained an important hub of commerce in the young United States.

Participating vessels include tall ships and naval war ships from the U.S. Navy as well as coalition countries such as Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico and Canada.

"We're here to celebrate the bicentennial of the War of 1812 as well as continue to work with the U.S. Navy," said Canadian navy Capt. Richard Feltham, commanding officer's operations officer for the commander, Canadian Atlantic Fleet. "Anytime we can work with our closest allies and reinforce those ties it's a great opportunity that we really look forward to."

Others have exressed the ridethey feel being part of such an event.

"It is an honor to be here for this cross-cultural exchange," said Chief Equipment Operator Martin O'Horo, U.S. Navy liaison to HMCS Iroquois. "To be able to do so at such a historic event is really something great. It is a highlight of my career."

Events planned for the Sailabration include ship tours, historical demonstrations, performances by the Navy Band, and an air show featuring the Blue Angels. Navy Week Baltimore is one of the signature events around the country commemorating the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 and "The Star Spangled Banner."