US Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and Partners commemorate Bicentennials: The War of 1812 & The Star-Spangled BannerGreat Lakes Commemoration winds up in Buffalo September 12-17 |
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Visit US Navy, Coast Guard, international naval, and Tall Ships
Commemoration NewsNaval Historians
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"The free flow of commerce is absolutely essential for our prosperity and that of other nations...as the past continues to inform the present and guides us to the future, the War of 1812 celebration will commemorate our rich history and heritage, positively influence the millions of Americans who come to see us, and showcase and demonstrate the capabilities of today's Navy." 200 Years AgoTwo hundred years ago, a small coastal nation, experiencing the growing pains of its recent independence, found itself at war with its former colonial master – the most powerful nation in the world. The United States, independent for less than 30 years, went to war with Great Britain again in 1812 to preserve its economy, its way of life and its independence – and the US Navy emerged as the key to victory. Born of necessity and forged in battle, the US Navy, in its infancy, took on the world’s mightiest fleet and proved to be a force of innovation, technology, esprit and expert seamanship. The US Navy kept the sea and America free during the War of 1812 – and continues to do so today. During this "Second War of Independence," when Francis Scott Key was inspired to write the “Star Spangled Banner," the Navy proved that it was essential to our nation’s defense and prosperity by protecting national commerce, enforcing trade laws, and ensuring freedom of the seas. The Bicentennial Commemoration of the War of 1812 and the Star Spangled Banner honors this legacy and reminds Americans that freedom of the seas and the free flow of commerce remain as important to our nation today as they were 200 years ago. See what happened on this day Two Hundred Years Ago Today, and to learn even more, click on the "War of 1812" button on the front page.
The CommemorationFrom 2012 through 2015, the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Coast Guard are commemorating the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 and The Star Spangled Banner. (Why?) The Navy has partnered with the International Council of Air Shows, the Navy League, the Naval Historical Foundation, and Operation Sail (OpSail) to create world-class events around the country, with signature events in New York, Baltimore, Norfolk, New Orleans, Boston, Chicago, and Cleveland, and smaller events in other cities during 2012. The events will include Blue Angels air shows, visits by ships of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, international navies, and Tall Ships; demonstrations by the U.S. Marine Corps; band concerts; “Galley Wars” cook-offs; and many other activities. To take part, click on our EVENTS link for a detailed list of events in 2012. Events in 2013-2015 will be announced later.
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