Eight-year-old Matthew Vogus posed a thoughtful question to his dad as they walked the ramparts of Fort McHenry.
“What would it be like it we lost the War of 1812?” the Springfield, Va., boy wondered.
Hundreds came to the national park Monday to commemorate Memorial Day, as an alternative to more popular sites in Washington. Many choose the lesser-known site to learn more about the fort?s history and its importance in staving off the British.
“We?ve been here for a number of years and always wanted to come here,” said Navy Cmdr. Scott Haluska of LaPlata. “This is a significant monument, and what better day to honor those that died to help create thiscountry.”
Vincent Vaise, Fort McHenry?s chief park ranger, said the park has ramped up Memorial Day ceremonies in the past two years as more visitors flocked to the star-shaped fort to honor the fallen. Wreath-laying and flag-raising ceremonies, as well as people dressed in period clothing, were part of the event.
In September 1814, the British tried to take Baltimore ? then the third-largest city in the nation ? but the fort held strong during a 25-hour siege, and ground forces held off attacks at the city limits.
“The British troops actually began attacking Baltimore on Sept. 11,” Vaise said. “The feelings of danger and being attacked on our home soil were as prevalent on Sept. 11, 1814 as they were Sept. 11, 2001.”
The fort is better known as the inspiration for “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the poem written by Francis Scott Key after seeing the large garrison flag prevailing after the bombardment that became America?s national anthem.
Historians credit the defense of Baltimore as a turning point in the war, which ended four months after the battle.
The thought of standing in the middle of heavy mortar fire amazed some young visitors. “I think I would hide in the bomb shelter,” said Jacob McWilliams, 8, of Pasadena.
