Veteran of The Day – 5-15-26
SPOTLIGHT: Maj. George Armistead
United States Army — War of 1812
April 10, 1780 – April 25, 1818
Hometown: Newmarket, Virginia
George Armistead
Defending Baltimore
In September 1814, British forces moved against Baltimore after burning Washington, D.C.
One of the last major defenses standing between the British and the city was Fort McHenry.
Its commander was Major George Armistead.
He knew what was coming.
“A Flag So Large…”
Before the battle, Armistead requested an enormous American flag be made for the fort.
He reportedly wanted:
“A flag so large that the British will have no difficulty seeing it from a distance.”
That flag would soon become part of American history.
The Bombardment
On the night of September 13–14, 1814:
- British warships unleashed massive bombardment
- Rockets and cannon fire rained down on the fort
- The defenders endured through darkness, smoke, and chaos
But the fort did not surrender.
Dawn Over Fort McHenry
When morning came…
The flag still flew.
The defense inspired Francis Scott Key to write the words that became:
“The Star-Spangled Banner”
A Symbol Beyond the Battle
Armistead’s leadership represented more than military resistance.
It became a symbol that:
- the nation would endure
- the flag would remain standing
- America would survive another test of independence
Reflection
Sometimes a nation’s spirit is carried by the men who refuse to lower the flag.
George Armistead helped defend more than a fort that night.
He helped defend the idea of America itself.
Final Resting Place
Maj. George Armistead rests with honor at Baltimore Cemetery, Maryland.
The Micky Spano Radio Show proudly honors Major George Armistead, United States Army, as Veteran of the Day for May 15, 2026, remembering his leadership, his courage, and his defense of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812.
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