March 25th is Maryland Day. 

380 years ago on March 25th the first official colonists landed in what was then designated as Maryland. 

This year Pride of Baltimore marked this day for the first time by sailing to Annapolis to partner up with the Maryland Historical Society and Fort McHenry in commemorating both the day and the showing of the first full scale true replica of the Star-Spangled Banner. 

Pride was the carrier of the Replica Flag from Fort McHenry to Annapolis. In Annapolis four from Pride‘s crew, led by Captain Jamie Trost, carried the Banner in a procession of 1812 War period costumed militia and soldiers from Fort McHenry along with Executive Director Rick Scott & VIPs of Pride, Inc. as well VIPs of the Maryland Historical Society up to Maryland’s Capital Building. There the flag was stretched out by all assembled for viewing. In addition Governor O’Malley made awards and remarks. Awards were grants to winning grant applicants for what they will do during this final commemorative year of the 200th anniversary of the 1812 War. Pride, Inc. was awarded a grant of $125,000 to assist with her visiting around Maryland this year. Remarks were about the Governor’s pride to see the flag flying from Pride and see it shown to all at the State Capital. 

All this with uncharacteristic for the time of the year snow falling and temperatures plummeting. 

The day ended with a reception aboard Pride for Delegates of the Maryland Legislature. The cold drove all below – at first in take turn cycles – but then all were below with food and drink and great comradeship.

Media coverage was significant for both the day of transit as well Maryland Day. 

What a great collaboration! What a great way to mark Maryland Day! 

Pride of Baltimore is the living symbol of Baltimore built schooners used as privateers in the 1812 War that caused the British to came to bombard Fort McHenry in their effort to destroy the shipyards. The successful defense by Fort McHenry and the militia guarding the land access to the shipyards of Fell’s Point in Baltimore are the reason the large 15-star-15-stripe national flag was observed flying over the Fort by Francis Scott Key as the British disengaged from their failed effort to destroy the Pride like vessels of that war. Seeing the flag wave that morning after the all night battle moved Mr. Key to write the poetry that is now our National Anthem. Pride sailing the Replica Flag to Annapolis for Maryland Day with partners from Fort McHenry and the Maryland Historical Society is a great way to mark Maryland Day and the commencement of the final year of commemoration of the war that brought identity for being American and introduced to the world, in a dramatic way, the young United States of America! 

Wouldn’t you say?

Jan C. Miles
A Captain for Pride of Baltimore, Inc.