This 2012, Operation Sail and the US. Navy will once again bring
the glory of tall ships to the American seaboard to celebrate
the bicentennial of our national anthem, The Star-Spangled
Banner. A parade of magnificent tall ships and warships, from
over 25 nations, will sail to five historic ports: New Orleans,
Norfolk, Boston, Baltimore, and New York City and join America
in commemoration of this national milestone. Operation Sail,
(OpSail), a national non-profit organization dedicated to
promoting goodwill among nations, and the development of youth
through sail training, was conceived in 1961 by Frank Braynard
and Nils Hansell. Following the endorsement of President John F.
Kennedy, OpSail came to life in 1964 by successfully bringing
the remaining tall ships of the world to New York City in
conjunction with the 64’ World’s Fair. Since then, OpSail events
have taken place in 1976 for the Bicentennial, 1986 for Lady
Liberties 100th, 1992 for the Columbus 500th, and 2000 for the
Millennium—and each event has