Wednesday, 6th August, 1997. Now that I had limited time left I decided to do and see as much as possible in Maryland. Mom, Anna and I went to Fort Mc Henry in the Inner Harbor of Baltimore City. We paid to watch the introductory movie, about the fort and its history, but we became disappointed when the projector started to give trouble. However, the fort's guards were insistent on pleasing us and one of them said,

"We are going to do something we do not normally do, but considering the circumstances, we are going to allow you to help us take down one of the biggest National Flags in America; the Star Spangled Banner. It is thirty feet wide and forty feet long and we are going to need all of you to help us,"

referring to those who were also watching the film. We then followed a guard woman to the fort's large flag pole from which flew a tremendous flag flowing gracefully in the wind. I was asked to hold one of the ropes while a few others did the same in bringing down the flag. While doing so I noticed the huge crack going up the pole from its base due to wind pressure. The flag was established as an ensign because of the words of one faithful patriot of America;

"Maj. George Armistead, (170-1818), took command of Fort Mc Henry in June 1813. Soon after the battle, he was brevetted a lieutenant colonel by President James Madison."
--National Monument and Historic Shrine Maryland

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Should we not think of the 'Ensign' that we have in our lives THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST. This is the symbol to which we look to fight for.

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Keith Colston and Cathy L. Jacobs gave us a tour and told of the history behind native American Indians. They gave me a book that explains some of their customs:

The purpose of the Pow-Wow is used to Celebrate and honor the veterans, warriors, our mothers, the keepers of the blood, and our children who will carry on our traditions and our customs long after the elders have passed on to the Creator. It is also an opportunity for Native American Indians to educate others about their culture.

The Regalia is a suit of honor and each part represents and honors many aspects of the dancer's life (referring to Indian dancing)

 

 

 

 

The Drum is regarded by Native Indians as one of the oldest instruments and the heartbeat of the people. Dancing to the beat of the drums symbolize life on earth. Each song is different and unique and has a particular meaning.

The War Dance dates back thousands of years and includes the 'vision' of the young warrior and his experiences including battles.

The Eagle Feather is a sacred symbol. This bird flies higher than all the others and carry the prayers of the people up to the Creator and return the blessings of the Creator as well.

The eagle is not idolized or worshipped as many may believe. The eagle feather is such a sacred symbol to our people that Federal Law prohibits anyone from possessing eagle feathers except for Native Americans.

The way the eagle feather is cut or the markings it has can mean different things to different tribes such as the number of children a parent has, battles engaged in, wounds received or enemies killed.

If an eagle feather falls from a dancer's regalia during the pow-wow it must be picked up by four elders who have right and responsibility to do so. It is cleansed by sage and tobacco.

 

 

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