Celebrating our Flag at Fort McHenry

Remembering September 14, 1814

Three days ago, America remembered in horror as the first plane hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City at 8:46 on September 11, 2001. Seventeen seconds later, United Airlines Flight 175 struck the South Tower. For twenty-three years now, we have come together as one nation to remember those who perished on those planes, in those offices, and at the Pentagon. We’ve also laid wreaths and held vigils at the field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where thirty-three passengers and seven crew members were so brutally murdered. In the years since, we have renewed our respect and faith in the firefighters and law enforcement officers who were lost trying to save the lives of strangers. First responders who ran into the fire – let that sink in – they ran into the fire.

The United States of America was born out of a love of freedom and has the battle scars to prove it. From Bunker Hill to the Second Battle of Fallujah, as Americans, “we will not flag or fail.” Today, September 14, 2024, we would be wise to remember the young major whose steadfast courage and leadership saved our nation. Major George Armistead was Fort McHenry’s garrison commander during the War of 1812.

Days earlier, on September 12, US Army Brigadier General John Stricker had delayed the British Army’s advance into the city. Their objective was to raze Baltimore just as they did twenty days earlier to our nation’s capital.

On the day prior, Francis Scott Key, a Baltimore Lawyer, was commissioned to arrange a prisoner exchange. Rowing out to the British command ship, he found the cargo hold overcrowded with American soldiers. Believing he had secured their release, he was not allowed to leave until the battle ended. The British were confident because once they had conquered Fort McHenry, Baltimore would be theirs, and the War of 1812 would be won.

On September 13, 1814, it was up to Major Armistead and his meager 1,000 troops to guard the entrance to the harbor. Looking out onto the hazy air hanging over the Chesapeake Bay, he saw the entire British armada. Beginning at 6:30 am, the first of 1,800 mortar shells and rockets were fired at the fort. When Major Armistead’s artillery fired back, the British fleet simply moved back out of range. Their shelling was relentless.

As night fell, rain-drenched Major Armistead and his men. Cold and wet, it had been days since any of them slept. The mortar barrage of the fort was aimed at a steep vertical angle to pass over the thick masonry walls and land in the middle of the unfortified barracks, stables, and civilian quarters. The rockets lit up the night sky as they hissed and exploded indiscriminately.

Because of the wind and rain, Major Armistead ordered the fort’s large color standard lowered and a smaller flag raised. As the hours passed and throughout the night, the shelling continued. Key must have thought that our young nation would be lost.

It was in the early morning glow of September 14, 1814, at dawn’s early light, that Major Armistead ordered the raising of the larger fifteen-star flag. As Francis Scott Key witnessed the posting of the colors, the men locked in the cargo hold wept. Major Armistead and his men had held their fort. Upon seeing that star-spangled banner, the British fleet turned in retreat.

Every fifth-grade student is taught the words of the Star-Spangled Banner. They sing and pledge allegiance every day. They learn about the lawyer named Francis Scott Key.

Perhaps – just for a little extra credit – the students should also learn about Fort McHenry’s garrison commander, Major George Armistead—the major who saved our nation.

                                                                             Independence Day. Chestertown, Maryland