The American flag may appear a bit unusual around Havre de Grace.

"If you haven't seen it yet, I'm sure you'll notice it looks peculiar at first," Councilman Bill Martin said at this week's City Council meeting, "until you realize there's not a whole lot of stars on there."

The 15-star, 15-stripe design was created in 1795. In Maryland, it has become known as the "War of 1812" flag since it was the nation's flag during the conflict with England.

Havre de Grace was attacked by England on May 3, 1813, and the city is hosting a commemorative event May 3 to 5.

Martin, who is a member of the Havre de Grace War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission, proposed a resolution to have the city fly the flags in its municipal locations in conjunction with its bicentennial commemoration.

According to the resolution that passed last month, the War of 1812 flags would be installed at municipal flag locations Jan. 1 and fly until Dec. 2014.

"This is an exciting time for our city to commemorate the War of 1812 and explore our history," said Brigitte Peters, manager of Tourism and Marketing for the city of Havre de Grace.

Said Peters: "The War of 1812 has been known as the forgotten war and with new exhibits at each museum, wayside signage being placed on the promenade and at our attractions, and traveling trunks accessible for our schools, the story of Havre de Grace will be remembered."

For more information about the War of 1812 activities in Havre de Grace, see our War of 1812 Bicentennial page.