News and Features

The crew of Lynx was the focal point of ceremonies held on Thursday, November 8 to kickoff "In Defense of Freedom" weekend at Fort McHenry and Baltimore. The event honors America's veterans and will culminate in festivities Veterans Day November 11 at Fort McHenry, where the Lynx crew will be among the hundreds of re-enactors who will be participating in honoring America's veterans from the War of 1812 to World War II.

Among the dignitaries at the opening ceremonies at Fort McHenry were U. S. Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton, National Parks Director Fran Mainella and Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley. The Secretary and the Director met with the Lynx crew who presented both officials with Lynx caps which both wore with great pride. They each thanked Lynx for being a part of the event and for representing the American Spirit and reinforcing the mission of this National Park Service weekend for Unity, Hope and Healing.

While the Secretary of the Interior was unable to visit Lynx when she was at Fort McHenry, she was ably represented by the Director of the National Park Service Mainella who received a personal tour of the vessel. After her visit, she said that the day's events were the first to be scheduled nationwide and would be part of series of such ceremonies to be held across America. She discussed the possible opportunity of Lynx to participate in these on-going events and welcomed her involvement as part of this national effort.

Lynx stands ready to answer the nation's call.

News and Features