Superintendent Scott J. Bentley is pleased to announce that the River Raisin National Battlefield Park during its annual Open House Event this Saturday May 17th, will also be displaying a 15 Star and 15 stripe flag replica of the “Star Spangled Banner” that was actually flown over Fort McHenry.
September 13-14, 1814, during the Battle of Baltimore, Francis Scott Key witnessed the bombardment of Fort McHenry while being held under British guard on an American truce ship in the Patapsco River. When he saw the flag still flying over the Fort the next morning, he was inspired to write “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
The oversized flag, which was presented to the River Raisin National Battlefield Park by the Friends of the River Raisin Battlefield at the Bicentennial of the Battle of the River Raisin in 2013, was sent to Fort McHenry National Monument and Memorial, and flown this year to commemorate their Bicentennial year. This flag has now been flown at two of the National Parks that are devoted to battles of the War of 1812.
A REMINDER—The Park will celebrate a Spring Open House on Saturday, May 17th from 10am to 4pm. and will also be participating in The National Park Trust “Kids to Parks Day”. Kids to Parks Day is a nation-wide day to encourage outdoor play and is taking place on May 17th. The National Park Trust and mascot Buddy Bison encourage kids to get out and go explore their local, state and national parks and public lands to discover science, history and tons of fun outdoor recreation opportunities.
Events throughout the day include living history encampment, military weapons display, open fire cooking, period food display, herbal medicine display, storytelling, bicycle safety training and much more!
Bike Safety for ages 8 and up will take place at 10am, 11am, 12pm and 1pm. There is a limit of 20 participants for each session. Advanced registration is required. Participants will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a prize in each session!
Archaeology field school is scheduled for 11am and 2pm. Black powder firing demonstrations will be at 11:30am, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, and 3:30pm. Military Drills and Children’s Mini Militia at 1pm and 3pm. Visitor Center is open from 9am-5pm.
