Date: July 27, 2011
Contact: Vince Vaise, 410-962-4290
Contact: Tim Ertel, 410-962-4290
THE BRITISH ARE COMING!
TO
FORT MCHENRY NATIONAL MONUMENT AND HISTORIC SHRINE
ON AUGUST 20, 2011 AT 6PM
WHAT: Evening military tattoo ceremony - the oldest tradition in Baltimore!
Free to Public
The evening twilight tattoo ceremony at Fort McHenry is the oldest tradition in the city. It has been taking place since the fort was garrisoned in 1799. Over 200 years old, the ceremony involves flags, military music and precision marching.
Celebrations include:
Special Events: A special performance by the Fort George Fife and Drum Corps from Canada! Dressed in the colorful uniforms of the Napoleonic era, the Fort George Fife and Drum Corps represents the British garrison of Fort George from the War of 1812!
Battle of the Bands! The Fort George Fife and Drum Corps will be joined by the Fort McHenry Guard Fife and Drum Corps! Each unit numbers 20 men and each will play a selection of American and British patriotic music from "Yankee Doodle" to "God Save the King." Come see the War of 1812 being refought in music!
Pageantry: Each tattoo features the posting of the colors, the trooping of the line by an "Honorary Colonel," stirring fife and drum music, a musket-firing demonstration and the taking down of the large 30 x 42-foot Star-Spangled Banner garrison flag.
Firing of the evening gun: Each tattoo ceremony ends with the playing of "taps" and the firing of the fort's large 18-pounder cannon! Packed with gunpowder, the artillery piece can be heard down the Patapsco River!
WHEN: Saturday, August 20, 2011
Twilight Tattoo Ceremony: 6 - 7:30 PM
WHERE: Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
2400 East Fort Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21230
ADMISSION: FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
FOR MORE INFORMATION: 410-962-4290 or www.nps.gov/fomc
**For everyone's safety and security, all packages will be inspected **
