NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Nine ships, including three tall military sailing ships, will adorn the Mississippi River in New Orleans this week as the nation kicks off the bicentennial commemoration of the War of 1812.
The ships are scheduled to arrive on Tuesday afternoon. There will be three U.S. Navy warships, three international warships and the sailing ships, including the Coast Guard's Cutter Eagle. The public can visit the ships for free between Wednesday and Sunday.
Also coming to New Orleans will be more than 2,000 sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen taking part in the commemoration.
New Orleans is kicking off the nation's three-year bicentennial commemoration of the War of 1812 and the Star Spangled Banner.
The ships also will visit New York, Norfolk, Va., Baltimore, Boston, and New London, Conn.