I think everyone would agree that Sailabration, the official
start of the two-year celebration of America’s defeat of the
British in the War of 1812, has been a great success. Hundreds
of thousands of visitors and residents have flocked to the Inner
Harbor and other sites in Baltimore to celebrate, making local
businesses happy and organizers proud. While the tall ships from
around the world are spectacular and have been the main
attraction, for me the highlight of past week has been watching
the Blue Angels with my children from the ramparts of Fort
McHenry on Saturday. It was a beautiful day and a spectacular
setting for the show. It was also a very profound experience to
be in the Fort and reflect on what the soldiers had endured
during the bombardment nearly two hundred years ago, which was
witnessed by Francis Scott Key who wrote what would become our
national anthem. And to fast forward to today and reflect on the
important role of America’s armed forces and the sacrifices that
are made by its members a