File:200th Anniversary of the Battle of North Point DSCN1781 (50039223613).jpg

Left to right: Mike Weir, Jr., John Olszewski Sr., Governor Martin O'Malley, John Olszewski Jr., Ed Hale.

A video that shows most of the ceremony, with most of the troops and attendees in it, parts not also in photos, is at: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6T1JgD1MgI&t=20s" rel="noreferrer nofollow">www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6T1JgD1MgI&t=20s</a>

As a part of the Star Spangled 200 festivities honoring the bicentennial of the War of 1812, on September 11, 2014 five hundred members of the Maryland National Guard (MDNG) 175th Infantry Regiment (Fifth Maryland) along with Maryland Defense Force members replicated the six mile route that the Maryland Militia took two hundred years ago to fight off invading British troops. The march began in Baltimore City’s Patterson Park, and the route was along Eastern Avenue into Baltimore County to Battle Acre Park in Dundalk, Maryland U.S.A..

The Maryland National Guard's 229th Army Band and the Maryland Defense Force Band performed during the ceremony. The event included a wreath-laying ceremony with British Embassy personnel, high ranking military members, and Maryland and Baltimore County government personnel. Baltimore County dedicated a new mural to commemorate the County's role in the War of 1812. The mural overlooks the newly renovated County park, which is on the site of the Battle of North Point, a crucial military engagement in which U.S. soldiers stalled British land forces so American troops could fortify Fort McHenry plus any Baltimorean who could help was fortifying Hampstead Hill/Patterson Park to save Baltimore from capture. Thankfully to the sacrifices of those who defended Baltimore, a great American victory was won that influenced the states to come together as a unified nation.

The "Home of the Brave" mural features the Battle of North Point engagement, with American troops holding formation, blocking British troops from advancing toward Fort McHenry. This panel is flanked by portraits of the battle's military leaders, U.S. General John Stricker and British General Robert Ross. Another panel highlights the historic Todd's Inheritance homestead, showing rural life in eastern Baltimore County during the early 1800's. A final scene shows a celebration ceremony held in 1839, just 25 years after the Battle of North Point was waged on the site.

The "Home of the Brave" mural was designed and painted by artist Marshall Adams and is a project of the Baltimore County Commission on Arts and Sciences in partnership with the Dundalk Renaissance Corporation. Funding was provided through grants from The Citizens of Baltimore County and the Maryland State Arts Council.

It was an intensely sunny day in Dundalk. The 200th March of the Defenders was kicked off by a large celebration in Baltimore City's Paterson Park. I had figured that all the major politicians, news people, spectators, and all would only attend the Baltimore City part of the event. Only the City politicians and most spectators stayed in town, and I was sunny-day-surprised when more and more people kept coming into Baltimore County's Battle Acre Park. When I saw some British military march up, I knew it was gonna be more than I had hoped for. I began seeing high ranking U.S. soldiers come in to the park. Then Maryland's Governor went strolling past me, and the local politicians were real happy to be there.

Just before the marching hundreds arrived, about seven military photographers - American and British ones - spread out on the scene. Several civilian pro-photographers came on board the scene. I knew that that dozen or so other photogs would be after shots of the very most important I attendees and parts of the ceremony. I determined that the best thing for me was to try and get at least one good, recognizable photo of everyone there - especially the 500+ in U.S. Army camo fatigues. I got about 90% of the people there in my photography of that mighty fine day.

I also covered several angles of view of the neighborhood, for people who lived in the area long ago and barely recall - or never knew - where Battle Acre is. I shot it all to bring us as close to being there as we can. I wanted as many different groups of soldiers as I could, so old friends can see each other's photos from that day. A big enough great day in all our lives there.

The Blue Angles flew over a few times, as they went to and from practicing air show maneuvers for their upcoming shows over Baltimore that Saturday and Sunday.

Hundreds of times, since the 1950's, I have ridden past Battle Acre Park. I recall being about 8-yrs-old in '58 and looking out my father's car window at the overgrown mess that was Battle Acre and being offended by the look of it all. I rarely ever looked over at the park after that. So I am quite well pleased to see what people, businesses & government have done by fixing up the memorial for a battle that helped keep America free.