09/14/2025
https://www.facebook.com/100069365702656/posts/1111808107808036/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v
in 1814, after a 25-hour bombardment, the smoke cleared over Fort McHenry, and the fort was still held by the Americans.
Just before 9:00 a.m., Major Armistead ordered the storm flag taken down. The same flag that Francis Scott Key had seen “at the twilight’s last gleaming" now hanging limp and heavy from rain. Following army regulations, at 9:00 a.m. Armistead ordered the garrison flag raised. The garrison’s fife and drums, joined by the musicians of the Maryland militia, played the national air “Yankee Doodle” while the large wool 30’ x 42’ garrison flag was hoisted.
The Star-Spangled Banner flew high as a symbol of courage, resilience, and strength. Baltimore had faced the strongest navy in the world and refused to yield.
Today, at Fort McHenry National Monument & Historic Shrine, we celebrate that spirit and honor the events that led Key to write the national anthem. Walk the grounds where history was made, hear the stories of ordinary people rising to extraordinary challenges, and see how a city and its defenders came together to protect freedom.
Learn more: https://go.nps.gov/BattleOfBaltimore
📸 NPS/Tim Ervin
Image: Sunlight shines through a replica garrison flag flying over the sallyport of Fort McHenry.
