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Fireworks over Annapolis by Toshio
For the past two weeks, we have been watching the struggle for human independence in Iran. Many Iranians have been putting their lives on the line in their fight for freedom from oppression. Many of the peaceful protesters are women and many are young women. These young women are some of today’s heroes. For the past two days we also have been watching the celebrations in Baghdad as US troops are withdrawn from Iraqi cities. I believe that the majority of US citizens do not fully appreciate the independence and freedom that we possess.
Various revolutions in this country have occurred through similar protests and violence and many have also included deaths of protesters. The days of just throwing tea off ships and into the Boston Harbor seem so mild in comparison to the violence of many demonstrations. At the conclusion of the American Revolution, the legal separation of the American colonies from Great Britain occurred on July 2, 1776 and the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4th. The War of 1812, also called the Second War of Independence, lead to the British siege on Ft. McHenry where Francis Scott Key wrote The Star-Spangled Banner.
It is only fitting that the Fort McHenry National Monument celebrates July 4th with a great deal of fanfare with "The Glorious Fourth!...an Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Weekend!". http://www.nps.gov/ner/customcf/apps/eventcalendar/events/fomcevent46054477.html
The celebration, on Saturday July 4th, 12:00pm to 4:30pm, includes fife and drum music; cannon firing, a musket salute for 18 states; period dancing; games; and the public reading of the Declaration of Independence at 3 p.m. The Visitor Center, and most of the Fort, is wheelchair accessible and features a closed-captioned orientation film. The entrance fee for adults (16 or older) is $7.00 (7 Day Pass) and children (ages 15 or younger) are admitted free of charge.
I am not aware of any places to eat, so packing a picnic lunch might not be a bad idea. Pets must be leashed and attended at all times. Pets are not allowed in the historic area (the fenced area around the fort). The Fort is accessible by car and bus http://www.nps.gov/fomc/planyourvisit/directions.htm and Water Taxi (http://www.thewatertaxi.com/about.html, 410-563-3901 or 800-658-8947). All day unlimited ticket price for the Water Taxi is $9.00 for adults and $4.00 for kids 10 and under (cash or check onboard or charge at the Visitor Center).
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