You’ve heard of events commemorating Civil War battles and the American Revolution. But not a lot of people talk about the War of 1812. Until now.
This is, after all, the war that gave us the Star-Spangled Banner and the creation of the stars and stripes flag. And with the bicentennial approaching, the War of 1812 is under the spotlight.
In April, New Orleans will launch a 3-year celebration, starting with the arrival of tall ships and war ships on the Mississippi River, and an air show over Lake Pontchartrain featuring the Blue Angels.
The Navy will also hold lectures and military band performances in the city.
In June, Maryland will honor the bicentennial with a maritime festival in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and the Chesapeake Bay. Dozens of Navy ships and vessels will line the harbor, and will be open for free tours, firework viewing, and living history displays.
For a different perspective, Canadians also are celebrating. Next fall, Queenston Heights Park in Ontario hosting hosting the largest battle reenactment in Canada, commemorating the first significant conflict of the War of 1812… a battle that, by the way, we lost.
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