Ruppersberger and Cardin Honor Fort McHenry and the War of 1812 with Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coin

Called on Area Kids to Submit Design Ideas for Coin  

(Baltimore,  MD) – Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD), Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), Congressman John Sarbanes (D-MD), and former Senator Paul Sarbanes (D-MD) honored Fort McHenry, the War of 1812, and the critical role Maryland played in the growth of our young nation with a Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coin.  H.R. 2097, the legislation creating the coin, just passed the House and Senate and was recently signed into law by the President.

“It is a great honor for Baltimore to have a special Star-Spangled Banner commemorative coin minted to draw attention to the important role Marylanders played as our nation fought for survival.  Preparations are already underway for an exciting celebration to honor the 200th Anniversary of the War of 1812.  The Star-Spangled Banner commemorative coin will be a wonderful addition to these festivities and help raise much needed awareness and funds to make these events possible,” said Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) who sponsored the legislation in the United States House of Representatives.  

“As Marylanders, we are proud of the unique role our state has played in our nation’s history, and the creation of this commemorative coin to coincide with the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 will make it possible for us to focus national attention on this bicentennial celebration.  Often referred to as the Second War of Independence, we have an opportunity to ensure that all Americans remember the war that finally secured our nation’s freedom,” said Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), who sponsored the coin bill in the U.S. Senate.

The lawmakers called on area kids to submit their design ideas for the coin to the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission.  Artwork should be sent to the following address by October 8, 2010: 

Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission
Attention: Kate Marks
Maryland Office of Tourism/DBED
World Trade Center, 14th Floor
401 E. Pratt Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21202

The Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative coin will be minted in 2012 in coordination with the 200th Anniversary of the War of 1812.  A portion of the proceeds will go to the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission to support bicentennial activities, assist in educational outreach, and preserve sites and structures relating to the War of 1812. After a 25-hour British bombardment of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812, Francis Scott Key saw an enormous American flag proudly flying over the fort, which was defending the City of Baltimore.  Key was inspired to write The Star-Spangled Banner that eventually became our national anthem.