Help commemorate the 200th anniversary of the War Of 1812

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 23, 2012

 

Contact: Jolene Priest, 517-335-8155

 

Calling all citizens! Help commemorate the 200^th anniversary of the War of 1812

 

It may be 200 years after the fact, but Michigan residents can still do their part for the war effort! The Michigan Commission on the Commemoration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 is seeking volunteers to help plan local ceremonies in mid-June, marking the 200th anniversary of the declaration of war against Great Britain. 

 

“We kindly ask officials, civic leaders, local historians and the public to help organize and hold special events in their communities in mid-June to commemorate the declaration of war on June 18, 1812,” said Dr. James McConnell, War of 1812 historian and commission secretary. “Our goal is to have several hundred of these special events taking place across Michigan in mid-June of this year.” McConnell noted that the preferred dates for all events to be held are Saturday and Sunday, June 16-17.

 

McConnell encourages interested communities to visit www.michigan.gov/war1812 to access the event registration form for submission, an event program template and further details to assist in developing ideas for community events.

 

”The commission has developed these materials to make it simple for people to participate in this historic occasion,” said Phil Porter, commission chairperson and director of Mackinac State Historic Parks. “Michigan played a prominent role in the War of 1812 as a center of several major military encounters, including Monroe, Detroit and Mackinac Island. It’s important to commemorate the declaration of war in communities and remember this important chapter in Michigan’s history.”  

 

Completed event registration forms and questions can be emailed to McConnell at jam1776@sbcglobal.net.

 

The governor-appointed Michigan Commission on the Commemoration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 is charged with encouraging, planning, and developing activities, events, programs, observances and services appropriate to commemorate Michigan's role in the War of 1812. More information can be found at www.michigan.gov/war1812.

 

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment is committed to the conservation, protection, management, and accessible use and enjoyment of the state's environment, natural resources, and related economic interests for current and future generations."