Issue 351, September 20, 2026
This past week was a special day in history. On September 13–14, 1814, during the War of 1812, British forces attacked Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland. British ships in the Chesapeake Bay bombarded the fort throughout the night, firing rockets and explosive shells at the American defenders. Despite the intense attack, the American troops held their position and continued to defend the fort. When daylight came on September 14, the large American flag was still flying over Fort McHenry, showing that the fort had not been captured.
Francis Scott Key, an American lawyer who had been aboard a British ship during the attack, watched the bombardment from a distance. When he saw the American flag still flying over the fort the next morning, he was inspired to write a poem about the sight. He called the poem “Defence of Fort M’Henry,” and it was later set to music. The song eventually became known as “The Star-Spangled Banner” and, in 1931, was officially adopted as the national anthem of the United States.
So, when we stand at a ball game taking our hat off and putting our hand over our heart, we remember the sacrifice our ancestors made. Making this the greatest country in the world.
Wayne Baker, 2026 1st Vice President