BALTIMORE (WJZ)—Huge crowds gather downtown as tall ships from all different counties sail into Baltimore waters. The impressive sight is part of the Star-Spangled Sailabration. It’s just the start of a weeklong commemoration of the War of 1812.

Jessica Kartalija has more on all the excitement.

One by one, tall ships from around the world made their way to Baltimore. Brazil followed by Ecuador, each ship gave a 21-gun salute, followed by a welcome from Fort McHenry.

WJZ was fortunate enough to get on board Mexico’s tall ship, Cuauhtémoc. The Mexican naval ship visited Baltimore in 2008. Officers say they are honored to be back.

“It’s very important for us because Baltimore is a very important harbor and international way, so we are very grateful to be invited,” said an officer on board Cuauhtémoc.

Star-Spangled Sailabration is a major event 200 years in the making, showcasing our role in U.S. history.

The arrival of Canadian naval fleet in Fells Point marked the beginning of the Sailabration.

Commemorating the bicentennial of the War of 1812, 40 tall ships and naval vessels from 12 countries will sail into Baltimore.

“Great partners from Great Britain and Canada for a special ceremony to observe not the start of the war 200 years ago, but to observe two centuries of peace. It was the end of the War of 1812 that marked the beginning of two centuries of peace between these three great nations of the world,” said Bill Pencek, 1812 Bicentennial Commission.

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Click here for a slideshow of the Star-Spangled Sailabration.