Celebrating Maryland Day
March 25, 2014 marked the 380th anniversary of the founding in 1634 of the British colony of Maryland.
Officials planned a ceremony for 10:30 a.m. in front of the statue of Cecilius Calvert at the Clarence M. Mitchell Jr. Courthouse in Baltimore to mark that event.
But alas, the forecast of rain and snow caused the proceeding to be moved to the RC Basilica of the Assumption on Cathedral Street – opposite the Pratt Central Library.
Try rushing over from the courthouse to the Basilica to an event when you’re running late. Think lots of huffing and puffing.
Meanwhile, the “Pride of Baltimore II” left the Inner Harbor Monday to participate in a similar ceremony in Annapolis.
A replica of the flag that flew over Fort McHenry in the War of 1812-14 was part of today’s occasion. There was also an “interfaith blessing of the flag,” with many of the clergy from churches located in the Mt. Vernon district participating, including the Archbishop of Baltimore, Rev. William Edward Lori.
History buffs, like myself, love these kinds of colorful ceremonies honoring Maryland’s past. But, I’m sure for many, like myself, that does not mean that they are in any way condoning the treatment of the Native Americans of that era, whose lands were confiscated. That’s another story!
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Bill Hughes is an attorney, author, actor and photographer. His latest book is “Byline Baltimore.” It can be found at: https://www.amazon.com/William-Hughes/e/B00N7MGPXO/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1