Navy celebrates Flag Day at Fort McHenry

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BALTIMORE, June 14 (UPI) -- Ten U.S. Navy ships are commemorating Flag Day and the War of 1812 by taking part in a flotilla starting in Baltimore and heading up the Eastern Seaboard.

The ships, which include the USS Fort McHenry, are honoring the U.S. victory at Fort McHenry in the War of 1812, which inspired Francis Scott Key to write the lyrics for the National Anthem, by participating in a series of Flag Day events taking part at Fort McHenry before heading north, the American Forces Press Service reported.

The 10 Navy ships will be accompanied by 18 ships from Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Ecuador, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Norway and the U.S. Coast Guard. The flotilla spent 12 days in Norfolk, Va., before arriving in Baltimore Thursday.