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Washington, DC
Congressman John Sarbanes (MD-3) today announced that the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1389, the Star Spangled Banner and War of 1812 Commission Act. This legislation would empower a Commission to plan and coordinate the bicentennial celebration of the War of 1812 and the Francis Scott Key poem written during the British bombardment at Fort McHenry, Maryland, which later became our National Anthem.
“We in Maryland are fortunate to have so many historical attractions in our state. Many people don’t realize the significance of the battle at Fort McHenry as a turning point in the War of 1812 and our Nation’s history,” said Sarbanes. “Because we are fast approaching the bicentennial of the War of 1812, I am pleased the House has passed this legislation and I hope that the Senate will soon do the same and the measure can be signed into law.”
The Park Service recommended the creation of a commission to plan for the War of 1812 bicentennial in a 2004 study. The commission membership would be drawn from citizens from historically significant states, National Park Service officials, historical experts, and other individuals selected by Congressional leadership. The House has also passed Sarbanes’ legislation creating a Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail, which would commemorate sites along the Chesapeake Bay campaign of the War of 1812 in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
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