War of 1812 --- Bicentennial

The Navy plans to kick off four years of international events in New Orleans next April to mark the bicentennial of the War of 1812 and “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The celebration will bring to the Crescent City a flotilla of U.S. and foreign warships and tall sailing ships on the Mississippi River and an air show over Lake Pontchartrain. The bicentennial events, which will include port visits and air shows at four other U.S. cities and in following years will highlight War of 1812 battles in the Great Lakes and Canada, also will be concluded in the Crescent City in 2015, to commemorate the Battle of New Orleans, officials said. New Orleans; Norfolk, Va.; New York; Boston; and Baltimore have been designated as “signature cities” next year, meaning the bicentennial activities will include port calls and air shows featuring the Blue Angels.