Visiting Ships
Star-Spangled Spectacular will feature more than 30 naval vessels and tall ships from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Norway, Germany, Spain and Turkey. The ships arrive on September 10 and depart on September 16 with public visitation between September 11 – 15, generally from noon until 5:00 PM. This will vary to some degree from ship to ship.
Star-Spangled Spectacular: the 200th Anniversary of our National Anthem Celebration
September 13, 6:00-10:00 PM at Fort McHenry
Observe the bicentennial of the writing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the spot that endured the British bombardment, inspiring Francis Scott Key to write what became our National Anthem. This evening program commemorates that historic event through patriotic music by the United States Marine Band “The President’s Own,” the Morgan State University Choir and others. The evening will also include performances by the Fort McHenry Guard, raising of the 30-by-42 foot Star-Spangled Banner, and remarks by elected officials. The evening will conclude with Baltimore’s largest fireworks display, celebrating the 200th anniversary of our National Anthem!
Star-Spangled Spectacular Fireworks
(Courtesy Photo)
The Star-Spangled Spectacular Fireworks will tell a very American story of patriotism, unity and inspiration utilizing Fireworks by Grucci’s patented technical PixelBurst™ and SkyEtching™ technologies. Telling the compelling story through Francis Scott Key’s words, show elements will include “broad stripes and bright stars,” “rockets red glare and bombs bursting in air” and “twilight’s last gleaming,” among others.
Star-Spangled Spectacular Air Show
The Star-Spangled Spectacular Air Show will feature precision flight demonstration acts from the U.S. Navy over a one-and-a-half-hour period between 2:00 and 4:00 PM on September 13 and 14. The featured act will be the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. The air show will take place over the Middle Branch of the Patapsco River. Public viewing sites along the Middle Branch are limited, and recreational boating traffic will be restricted from cruising the water in the air show “box” while the program is in progress
9/11 Commemoration and Flag Ceremony
September 11, 11:00 AM – Noon
Join first responders from New York and Baltimore, the Fort McHenry Guard and living historians as they honor those whose lives were lost on September 11, 2001. The commemorative ceremony will include music, remarks relating the Battle of Baltimore and 9/11, and a wreath laying. At the conclusion of the program, Taps will be played and the names of those killed during the 1814 defense of Baltimore and on 9/11 will be read aloud.
Venue: Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine 2400 E. Fort Avenue | Baltimore, MD 21230