"Oh, Say Can You See..."

It was a gorgeous Labor Day Monday & we decided to head down to Locus Point in Baltimore and visit Fort McHenry! Growing up here I can only remember once or twice visiting the monument, but never touring the actual Fort. It was truly a wonderful experience and filled us with pride being from this great city!

We were able to walk around the grounds and the Fort itself by ourselves. There were amazing views of Baltimore Harbor & the Key Bridge. Kylie loved climbing on the cannons and exploring the many alcoves and hiding spots located inside the fort. Jillian enjoyed riding on Daddy's back and even fell asleep! One of the highlights was participating in one of the ranger's speech where we helped roll out an exact replica of the Garrison style American flag that flew over Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore. The same flag that Francis Scott Key saw when he was inspired to write "The Star Spangled Banner." Kylie loved holding it and got a little tired and plopped down on the grass under the flag to rest in its shade. Finally, we went to the Visitor's Center and watched a short, but impressive movie about the history of the fort and the battle fought there. After the movie was over, the curtains to our right opened to large windows displaying the flag flying proudly over Fort McHenry. We all put our hands on our hearts for the singing of our National Anthem by the Naval Academy Choir - it was beautiful! We had a great day!! Below are some pictures from our trip - Enjoy!!

The entrance to the actual fort.

Dziadzi picking Kylie up to look at a model of Fort McHenry in the Visitor's Center.

The model of Fort McHenry.

Dziadzi, Kylie, Daddy, & Jillian posing by one of the cannons outside the fort.

Kylie listening intently to a talk by one of the park ranger's in the Visitor's Center.

The map of the Battle at Baltimore during the War of 1812.

Cannon pointing out to the harbor.

The Francis Scott Key exhibit in the Visitor's Center with the words of "The Star Spangled Banner."

A memorial statue of Colonel George Armistead, the Commanding Officer of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812.

Daddy & Jillian posing in a bomb shelter underneath the fort where soldiers would hide out while there was artillery fire on the fort.

Kylie exploring an alcove inside the fort. She even found a crawl space inside and popped out on the other side!

Kylie looking inside one of prison cells - The mayor of Baltimore was once imprisoned here in order to prevent him from voting to succede from the Union.

The living quarters for the officers & enlisted men.

The original cross base of the flag pole during the battle.

A view inside the fort from one of the outer points.

Visitors of Ft. McHenry, including us, holding the replica of the flag flown during the War.

The park ranger telling the story of the battle & the National Anthem.

Kylie doing her part in holding the flag.

What a gorgeous sight!

A view of the Francis Scott Key Bridge from Ft. McHenry.

The point of the fort where the only two casualties of the battle occured, including one of the four officers stationed at Ft. McHenry. The bomb fired by the British made a direct hit on this point.

Our family shot with Baltimore's outer harbor in the distance. What a day!!

What a great way to spend Labor Day and it was the perfect weather for it too! After visiting Fort McHenry, learning the history of it, & the story behind the writing of our National Anthem, the words have a whole new meaning. If it is possible, we feel even more proud to be Americans!!