BALTIMORE (AP) -- Maryland Rep. Steny Hoyer is participating in a project to recreate the star-spangled banner.
Hoyer will visit the Maryland Historical Society in Baltimore on Friday to add his stitch to the flag, which volunteers began sewing on July 4.
It was 200 years ago this summer that local flag-maker Mary Pickersgill stitched the flag that inspired America's national anthem. Pickersgill was paid $405.90 to sew the 30-foot-by-42-foot flag for Baltimore's Fort McHenry. The sight of the flag's broad stripes and bright stars still waving after the British attacked the fort during the War of 1812 inspired Francis Scott Key to write his now-iconic lyrics.
The replica flag will fly over Fort McHenry on Sept. 12, the day that commemorates the successful defense of the city during the War of 1812.